Alicyclic phospholipase A2 inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Certain novel alicyclic compounds are effective phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/079,072, filed Jun. 16, 1993, abandoned.

BACKGROUND

The invention deals with compounds having activity as phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) inhibitors. PLA₂ is a calcium-dependent enzyme which cleaves the sn-2 acyl bond of phospholipids to yield arachidonic acid and a lysophospholipid (H. Van den Bosch et al. in Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1980, 604, 191). Both products of this reaction can serve as starting points for the biosynthesis of inflammatory mediators. Once released, arachidonic acid is rapidly metabolized by enzymes such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenases to give prostaglandins and leukotrienes, well-known mediators of inflammation (P. Davies and D. E. MacIntyre in "Inflammation: Basic Principles and Clinical Correlates," 2nd Ed., J. I. Gallin, I. M. Goldstein, and R. Snyderman, Eds., Raven Press, Ltd.: New York, 1992; Chapter 7; B. K. Lam and K. F. Austen in "Inflammation: Basic Principles and Clinical Correlates," 2nd Ed., J. I. Gallin, I. M. Goldstein, and R. Snyderman, Eds., Raven Press, Ltd.: New York, 1992; Chapter 8). Lysophospholipids can be utilized by certain cell types to produce platelet-activating factor (PAF), another potent inflammatory mediator (G. A. Zimmerman, S. M. Prescott, and T. M. Mcintyre in "Inflammation: Basic Principles and Clinical Correlates," 2nd Ed., J. I. Gallin, I. M. Goldstein, and R. Snyderman, Eds., Raven Press, Ltd.: New York, 1992; Chapter 9). The role of PLA₂ in inflammatory diseases has been described (P. Vadas and W. Pruzanski in Laboratory Investigation, 1986, 55, 391-404; W. Pruzanski, E. Bogoch, M. Wloch, and P. Vadas in Journal of Rheumatology, 1991, 18, 117-119; W. Pruzanski, K. Scott, G. Smith, I. Rajkovic, E. Stefanski, and P. Vadas in Inflammation, 1992, 16, 451-457; W. Pruzanski, D. W. Wilmore, A. Suffredini, G. D. Martich, A. G. D. Hoffman, J. L. Browning, E. Stefanski, B. Sternby, and P. Vadas in Inflammation, 1992, 16, 561-570; J. M. Gronroos and T. J. Nevalainen in Digestion, 1992, 52, 232-236). Since PLA₂ is the critical enzyme in the pathway leading to release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes and PAF, inhibition of this enzyme is a rational approach to prevention, elimination, or amelioration of inflammation.

Compounds having similar activity are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,959, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. That patent discloses compounds of structure A: ##STR1## wherein R^(a) is CH═CY--C(CH₃)=CHX, wherein X and Y are different and are selected from COOR^(b) and ##STR2## groups in which R^(b) and R^(c) independently are H or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have discovered novel compounds of Formulas I: ##STR3## wherein the bonds between C₂ and C₃ and/or between C₄ and C₅ are unsaturated;

X=COOH, H, F, CI, Br, I, COOR", CONH₂, COR"', CHO, CH₂ OH, CH₂ OR"', OH, OR"', CF₃, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, NO₂, P(O)(OH)₂, SO₂ H, or SO₃ H;

R=substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, or arylalkenyl groups, with the proviso that each group have 6 or more carbons (preferable 6 to 30 carbons) and R cannot be ##STR4## R'=H or C₁₋₆ alkyl; R"=H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C(R³)₂ OC(O)R⁴, CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶,

CH₂ C(O)N(R⁶)₂, or other groups yielding physiologically hydrolyzable esters;

R"'=C₁₋₆ alkyl;

R³ =H, CH₃, C₂ H₅, CH₃ CH₂ CH₂ (with R³ 's being the same or different);

R⁴ =C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, or C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy;

R⁵ =R⁶, or when linked with R⁶, is a C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl or a --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ -group; and

R⁶ =C₁₋₃ alkyl.

These compounds, their geometric isomers and their pharmaceutical salts, exhibit PLA₂ inhibition with significant anti-inflammatory effects.

The novel compounds and isomers and derivatives thereof are useful in combination with pharmaceutical carriers and other excipients in formulations to be administered by, preferably, topical or oral routes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is concerned with novel compounds and the use of those compounds, their isomers or other pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, in processes and compositions to be used to treat inflammation.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages recited herein are weight percents, based upon total composition weight.

The compounds of the invention generally conform to Formula I: ##STR5## wherein the bonds between C₂ and C₃ and/or between C₄ and C₅ are unsaturated;

X=COOH, H, F, CI, Br, I, COOR", CONH₂, COR"', CHO, CH₂ OH, CH₂ OR"', OH, OR"', CF₃, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, NO₂, P(O)(OH)₂, SO₂ H, or SO₃ H;

R=substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl or arylalkenyl groups, with the proviso that each group must have 6 or more carbons (preferable 6 to 30 carbons) and R cannot be ##STR6## R'=H or C₁₋₆ alkyl; R"=H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C(R³)₂ OC(O)R⁴, CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶, CH₂ C(O)N(R⁶)₂, or other groups yielding physiologically hydrolyzable esters;

R"'=C₁₋₆ alkyl;

R³ =H, CH₃, C₂ H₅, CH₃ CH₂ CH₂ (with R³ 's being the same or different);

R⁴ =C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, or C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy;

R⁵ =R⁶, or, when linked with R⁶, is a C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl or a --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ -group; and

R⁶ =C₁₋₃ alkyl.

X is preferably H, COOH, F, CF₃, COOR" or CONH₂.

In preferred embodiments, the phenyl ring at C₄ has an X substituent in the recta-position. R may be substituted or unsubstituted groups of the types recited. When the R group is substituted, the substituents may be OH, C₁₋₁₂ alkyloxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkenyloxy, C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ halophenylalkyloxy, C₁₋₁₂ hydroxyalkyl or adamantyl. R may have from one to six substituents, with "substituents" meaning groups other than hydrogen. Preferred R groups are set out in Tables 1 and 2.

By "6 or more" carbons, applicants mean 6 to 30, and preferably 14 to 30.

R' may be H or C₁₋₆ alkyl, but is preferably H or CH₃.

R" is preferably H.

By "halo" applicants mean Br, C₁, F, or I.

R³, R⁵ and R⁶, when independent moieties (i.e., not linked to each other), may be the same or different.

Compounds of the invention preferably conform to formula types IA, IB, IC or ID, as follows: ##STR7## wherein the substitutents are as defined above.

When R'=H, compounds of structure types 11 and 14 conform to IA, types 18 and 20 conform to IB. When R'=CH₃, compounds of structure 11k conform to IA.

PREPARATION

The compounds of the invention are typically prepared using one or more of the steps shown below: ##STR8##

PLA₂ Inhibition Assay

The method used is similar to that reported by Franson, et al. [Jesse, R. L. and Franson R. C., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 575:467-470 (1979); Franson, R. C., Patriarca, P., and Elsback, P., J. Lipid Res. 15: 380-388 (1974)]. The enzyme is isolated from human platelets. The substrate used consists of ¹⁴ C-oleate labeled Escherichia coli membranes. E. coli cells are grown in the presence of ¹⁴ C-oleic acid and then autoclaved to prepare the membranes.

Various concentrations of test compounds are pre-incubated with PLA₂ (3.6 μg/mL in a buffer consisting of 25 mM HEPES (pH 7)), 150 mM NaCl, 5.0 mM CaCl₂, and 10% DMSO (v/v, test compound solvent) at 37° C. for 7 minutes. The E. coli membrane substrate is then added (0.1 mM phospholipid, 0.005 μCi ¹⁴ C) and the reaction is then incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction is then terminated by the addition of 1.9 mL tetrahydrofuran (THF), and the entire solution is applied to a solid-phase extraction column (aminopropyl resin, Analytichem). The column is rinsed with an additional 1 mL of THF. The free fatty acid product of the reaction is then eluted from the column with 1 mL of 2% acetic acid in THF and collected in a scintillation vial. The amount of free fatty acid product is determined by liquid scintillation counting. The amount of inhibition produced by the test compound is calculated by comparing the counts obtained in the presence of the compound to those obtained in its absence (solvent only). Background counts were determined by performing incubations in the absence of enzyme.

Percent inhibition is determined by the equation: ##EQU1##

The biological activities of compounds of Types IA through ID are given in Tables 1-6. The compounds are effective inhibitors of PLA₂.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Biological Data for Compounds of Structure 11 (Type IA):                        ##STR9##                                                                                                     % Inhibition of                                                       Structure                                                                               PLA.sub.2 at                                    R                     Number   100 μM                                       ______________________________________                                          ##STR10##            11a       6%                                              ##STR11##            11b      44%                                              ##STR12##            11c      97%                                              ##STR13##            11d      100%                                             ##STR14##            11e      100%                                             ##STR15##            11f      15%                                              ##STR16##            11g      58%                                              ##STR17##            11h      97%                                              ##STR18##            11i      100%                                             ##STR19##            11j      98%                                              ##STR20##            11k      98%                                             ______________________________________                                          R' = H, except for 11k, where R' = CH.sub.3                              

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Biological Data for Compounds of Structure 14 (Type IA):                        ##STR21##                                                                                                        Structure                                   R                              X   Number                                                                              % Inhibition of PLA.sub.2 at 100                                               μM                                  __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR22##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14a  100%                                    ##STR23##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14b  100%                                    ##STR24##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14c  92%                                     ##STR25##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14d  98%                                     ##STR26##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14e  99%                                     ##STR27##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14f  71%                                     ##STR28##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14g  96%                                     ##STR29##                     p-F 14h  96%                                     ##STR30##                     m-F 14i  96%                                     ##STR31##                     H   14j  92%                                     ##STR32##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14k  99%                                     ##STR33##                     H   14l  99%                                     ##STR34##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14m  99%                                     ##STR35##                     H   14n  100%                                    ##STR36##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14o  99%                                     ##STR37##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14p  93%                                     ##STR38##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14q  100%                                    ##STR39##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14r  95%                                     ##STR40##                     m-CF.sub.                                                                          14s  100%                                    ##STR41##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14t  100%                                    ##STR42##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14u  100%                                    ##STR43##                     m-CF.sub.3                                                                         14v  100%                                   __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         Biological Data for compounds of Structure 18 (Type IB):                        ##STR44##                                                                                                   % Inhibition                                                          Structure                                                                               of PLA.sub.2 at                                  R                    Number   100 μM                                        ______________________________________                                          ##STR45##           18a      27%                                               ##STR46##           18b      100%                                              ##STR47##           18c      70%                                               ##STR48##           18d      91%                                               ##STR49##           18e      55%                                              ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Biological Data for compounds of Structure 20 (Type IB).                        ##STR50##                                                                                            Structure                                               R                  X   Number                                                                              % Inhibition of PLA.sub.2 at 100                   __________________________________________________________________________                                 μM                                               ##STR51##         m-CF.sub.3                                                                         20a  52%                                                 ##STR52##         p-F 20b  73%                                                 ##STR53##         m-F 20c  67%                                                 ##STR54##         H   20d  62%                                                 ##STR55##         m-CF.sub.3                                                                         20e  81%                                                 ##STR56##         m-CF.sub.3                                                                         20f  90%                                                __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         Biological Data for Compounds of Structure 32 (Type IC):                        ##STR57##                                                                                         Structure                                                                               % Inhibition of                                   R                   Number   PLA.sub.2 at 100 μm                            ______________________________________                                          ##STR58##          32a       1%                                                ##STR59##          32b      56%                                                ##STR60##          32c      67%                                               ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 6                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Biological Data for Compounds of Structure 40 (Type ID):                        ##STR61##                                                                                           Structure                                                                           % Inhibition of PLA.sub.2                           R                 X   Number                                                                              AT 100 μm                                        __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR62##        m-CF.sub.3                                                                         40   79%                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Formulations

Compositions or formulations may contain one or more of the compounds themselves. They may also contain isomers and/or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or analogs, such as hydrates, salts, e.g., succinates, acetates, hydrochlorides, alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, quaternary alkylammonium salts and the like. Examples of alkali metal salts are potassium and sodium salts. Ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium salts include salts derived from triethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and L-lysine.

The concentration of active ingredient(s), or compound(s) of the invention, in such formulations will generally be from about 0.005 to about 10.0 wt %, with quantities of about 0.01 to about 5 wt % preferred.

Additives such as carriers, colorants, perfumes, vehicles, stabilizers, flow control agents and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients can be used. Additionally, one or more other active ingredient(s) may be included.

The concentration of additives, i.e., ingredients other than the compound(s) of the invention, will generally be from about 90 to 99.995 wt %.

Administration

The compounds of the invention, their isomers and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or analogs thereof, may be administered to any subjects in need of treatment for inflammatory conditions, e.g., psoriasis, arthritis, and the like. While human subjects are preferred, the subjects may also be mice or other mammalian species.

The formulations discussed above may be adapted for administration via nasal, intravenous, intramuscular, opthalmic, buccal, oral or topical routes. Transdermal, i.e., topical, and oral administration are the preferred routes.

Suitable dosage forms for administration include pills, tablets, capsules, liquid compositions (administrable by injection, ingestion, or application to the surface of the skin or to other body parts), creams, gels, lotions, ointments and the like.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the preparation of various compounds conforming to Formula I.

In the following examples, all temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade. Melting points were determined on an electrothermal apparatus and are not corrected. Proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H and ¹³ C NMR) spectra were recorded on a Bruker AM-300 or a Varian Gemini 300 spectrometer. All spectra were determined in CDCl₃, DMSO-d₆, CD₃ OD, or D₂₀ unless otherwise indicated. Chemical shifts are reported in δ units relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) and interproton coupling constants are reported in Hertz (HZ). Splitting patterns are designated as follows: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; m, multipier; br, broad peak; dd, doublet of doublets and dt, doublet of triplets. Infrared spectra were determined on a Perkin-Elmer 1800 FT-IR spectrometer from 4000 cm⁻¹ to 400 cm⁻¹, calibrated to 1601 cm⁻¹ absorption of a polystyrene film, and are reported in reciprocal centimeters (cm-⁻¹). Mass spectra were recorded on a Kratos MS-50 or a Finnegan 4500 instrument utilizing direct chemical ionization (DCI, isobutene) or fast atom bombardment (FAB). Ultraviolet spectra were determined on a Hewlett Packard 8452 diode array spectrophometer in the solvent indicated.

Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on precoated silica gel plates (60F-254) and visualized using UV light, iodine vapors, and/or staining by heating with methanolic phosphomolybdic acid. Column chromatography, also referred to as flash chromatography, was performed in a glass column using finely divided silica gel at pressures somewhat above atmospheric pressure with the indicated solvents. Reversed-phase analytical thin-layer chromatography was carried out on precoated reverse phase plates and visualized using UV light or iodine vapors. Reversed-phase plates and visualized using UV light or iodine vapors. Reversed-phase column chromatography was performed in a glass column using Baker Octadecyl (C₁₈), 40 μm.

All evaporations of solvent were performed under reduced pressure. Celite is a registered trademark of the Johns-Manville Products Corporation for diatomaceous earth.

Example 1: General Procedure for Synthesis of 2

The route used to prepare phosphonates 2 was based on the following reference: Berry, J. P.; Isbell, A. F.; Hunt, G. E. J. Org. Chem. 1972, 37, 4396. The final product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (10:1 ratio silica gel/crude compound, elution with 40 % ethyl acetate/hexane) or by distillation at 0.1 mm Hg.

For Ethyl 2-(3-bromophenyl)diethylphosphonoacetate: scale=68.0 mmol, purified by chromatography, yield=79%; scale=120 mmol, purified by distillation (bp 135°-140° C., 0.1 mm Hg), yield=75%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.67 (d, J=2 Hz, 1 H, ArH), 7.44-7.48 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.22 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.00-4.31 (m, 7H, CO₂ CH₂, 2×POCH₂, and CH), 1.21-1.36 (m, 9H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 2×POCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.50 (d, J² _(c),p =4 Hz, C=O), 133.23, 132.55 (d, J³ _(c),p =7 Hz, ArC), 131.10 (d, J⁴ _(c),p =3 Hz, ArC), 129.96, 128.33 (d, J³ _(c),p =6 Hz, ArC), 122.36, 63.56 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 63.29 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 62.06 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.76 (d, J¹ _(c),p =135 Hz, CHP(O)), 16.27 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), and 14.04 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2985, 2935, 2910, 1735 (C=O), 1595, 1570, 1475, 1370, 1320, 1300, 1260, 1210, 1150, 1095, 1050, 1025, and 690 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 379 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)diethylphosphonoacetate: scale=34.3 mmol, purified by chromatography, yield=55%; scale=98.0 mmol, purified by distillation (bp 135°-140° C., 0.1 mm Hg), yield=69%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.71-7.75 (m, 2 H, ArH), 7.55 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.45 (t, J=8Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.97-4.42 (m, 7 H, CO₂ CH₂, 2×POCH₂, and CH), 1.03-1.33 (m, 9 H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 2×POCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.07 (d, J² _(c),p =4 Hz, C=O), 133.08 (d, J³ _(c),p =6 Hz, ArC), 132.17 (d, J² _(c),f =8 Hz), 128.94, 126.52 (overlapping s and d, J³ _(c),p =6 Hz, 2×ArC), 124.76 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, ArC), 123.91 (d, J¹ _(c),f =272 Hz, CF₃), 63.54 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 63.27 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 62.10 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.98 (d, J¹ _(c),p =135 Hz, CHP(O)), 16.23 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), 16.16 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), and 13.99 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2985, 2935, 2910, 1740 (C=O), 1450, 1395, 1370, 1330, 1260, 1210, 1165, 1125, 1100, 1080, 1030, 970, 925, 805, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 369 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl 2-(3-fluorophenyl)diethylphosphonoacetate: scale=31.4 mmol, purified by chromatography, yield=69%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.21-7.32 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.95-7.01 (m, 1H, ArH), 3.93-4.29 (m, 7H, CO₂ CH₂, 2×POCH₂, and CH), 0.98-1.33 (m, 9H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 2×POCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.50 (d, J² _(c),p =4 Hz, C=O), 162.58 (d, J¹ _(c),f =245 Hz, ArC), 133.20 (dd, J³ _(c),p =8 Hz, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, ArC), 129.83 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz), 125.42 (d, J³ _(c),p =4 Hz, ArC), 116.69 (dd, J² _(c),f =23 Hz, J³ _(c),p =6 Hz, ArC), 114.94 (d, J² _(c),f = 21 Hz, ArC), 63.50 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 63.20 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 61.99 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.91 (d, J¹ _(c),p =135 Hz, CHP(O)), 16.30 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), 16.23 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), and 14.02 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2985, 2935, 2910, 1735 (C=O), 1615, 1590, 1490, 1450, 1370, 1320, 1255, 1155, 1100, 1050, 1030, 970, 690, and 620 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 319 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)diethylphosphonoacetate: scale=32.0 mmol, purified by chromatography, yield=85%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45-7.50 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.01 (apparent t, J_(h),f =8.5 Hz, J_(h),h =8.5 Hz, 2H, ArH), 3.88-4.25 (m, 7H, CO₂ CH₂, 2×POCH₂, and CH), 0.99-1.45 (m, 9H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 2×POCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.50 (d, J² _(c),p =4 Hz, C=O), 162.55 (d, J¹ _(c),f =245 Hz, ArC), 131.31 (dd, J³ _(c),p =8 Hz, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, ArC), 126.74 (d, J² _(c),p =6 Hz) 115.43 (d, J² _(c),f =20 Hz, ArC), 63.40 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 63.12 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 61.91 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.36 (d, J¹ _(c),p =135 Hz, CHP(O)), 16.30 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), 16.23 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), and 14.02 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2985, 2935, 2910, 1735 (C=O), 1605, 1510, 1475, 1445, 1390, 1370, 1325, 1300, 1260, 1225, 1150, 1100, 1050, 1030, 970, 900, 850, 815, 795, and 740 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 319 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl 2-(phenyl)diethylphosphonoacetate: scale=46.5 mmol, purified by chromatography, yield=85%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.47-7.51 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.25-7.35 (m, 3H, ArH), 3.88-4.25 (m, 7 H, CO₂ CH₂, 2×POCH₂, and CH), 1.14-1.26 (m, 9H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 2×POCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.63 (d, J² _(c),p =4 Hz, C=O), 130.95 (d, J² _(c),p =8 Hz, ArC), 129.61 (d, J³ _(c),p =6 Hz), 128.48, 127.91 (d, J⁴ _(c),p =3 Hz, ArC), 63.38 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 63.05 (d, J² _(c),p =7 Hz, POC), 61.79 (CO₂ CH₂), 52.26 (d, J¹ _(c),p =135 Hz, CHP(O)), 16.29 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), 16.23 (d, J³ _(c),p =5 Hz, POCH₂ CH₃), and 14.03 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2985, 2935, 2910, 1735 (C=O), 1500, 1455, 1390, 1370, 1300, 1260, 1210, 1150, 1095, 1025, 970, 805, 730, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 301 (MH⁺).

Example 2: Preparation of Aldehydes 3 Procedure A: Aryl aldehydes via transmetallation of aryl halides

A solution of the aryl halide (1 equivalent) in anhydrous THF (0.15-0.20M solution) was cooled to -78° C. under argon and treated with t-butyllithium solution (ca. 1.6M in pentane, 2.0-2.1 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at -78° C. for 0.5-1 h and then treated with anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (2.0-3.0 equivalents). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, and then was poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was used without purification or was purified by column chromatography (20:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 1-10% ethyl acetate in hexanes).

For 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthaldehyde (3a): scale=10.2 mmol, yield=95%. The precursor aryl halide, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-iodonaphthalene, was obtained from 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalene (Maybridge Chemicals) via the method of W. W. Sy et al. Synth. Commun. 1990, 20, 877. For 3a: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.92 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.80 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.60 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.44 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 1.69 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.30 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.29 (s, 6H, 2× CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.38 (C=O), 152.43, 145.92, 134.16, 128.61, 127.41, 126.60, 34.93, 34.73, 34.68, 34.41, 31.75 (CH₃), and 31.59 (CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1695 (C=O), 1600, 1560, 1460, 1390, 1365, 1220, 1210, 1185, 1170, 1065, and 830 cm ⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 217 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₁₅ H₂₀ O: C, 83.29; H, 9.32. Found: C, 83.21; H, 9.35.

For 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenaldehyde (3b): scale=6.60 mmol, yield=77%. The precursor aryl halide, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-bromoanthracene, was obtained via the method of M. Dawson et al. J. Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals 1990, 28, 89. For 3b: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ10.09 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.23 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.93 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.78-7.84 (m, 3H, ArH), 1.77 (br s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.39 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.38 (C=O), 148.33, 145.83, 134.75, 134.57, 133.56, 130.97, 128.29, 126.83, 125.26, 121.67, 34.95, 34.85, 34.68, 32.47 (CH₃), and 32.40 (CH₃); IR (film) 2955, 2920, 2860, 1680 (C=O), 1630, 1470, 1460, 1385, 1365, 1310, 1165, 1125, 1110, 910, 895, and 810 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 267 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C19H22O: C, 84.96; H, 8.27. Found: C, 84.82; H, 8.37.

For 4-(1-Adamantyl)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (3c): scale=3.51 mmol, yield=43%: The precursor aryl halide, 2-adamantyl-5-iodoanisole, was obtained in two steps from 3-iodophenol via the following procedure. 3-Iodophenol was treated with 1-adamantanol and sulfuric acid in methylene chloride following the general procedure of Shreet et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,720, January 1988. This gave, without recrystallization, pure 2-adamantyl-5-iodophenol: scale=114 mmol, yield=91%; mp 142°-44° C.; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ7.08 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.04 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.80 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.36 (s, 1H, OH), 1.99 (s, 9 H, adamantyl), and 1.68 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ157.26, 135.66, 128.32, 127.54, 124.50, 91.23, 39.61, 36.56, 36.12, and 28.32; IR (KBr) 3480 (OH), 2900, 2845, 1490, 1395, 1210, and 875 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 355 (MH⁺), 354 (M⁺), 353 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆ H₁₉ OI: C, 54.25; H, 5.41. Found: C, 54.32; H, 5.37. A solution of 2-adamantyl-5-iodophenol (7.70 g, 21.7 mmol) in acetone (100 mL) was treated with dimethylsulfate (4.11 g, 32.6 mmol) and potassium carbonate (4.50 g, 32.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 24 h, cooled, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to provide 6.5 g (81%) of 2-adamantyl-5-iodoanisole; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.22 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.10 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.89 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.02 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ159.35, 138.43, 129.63, 128.25, 120.75, 91.20, 55.22 (OCH₃), 40.35, 37.02, 36.92, and 28.97; MS (DCI) m/e 369 (MH⁺), 368 (M⁺), 367 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₁ OI: C, 55.45; H, 5.75. Found: C, 55.51; H, 5.81. Reaction of 2-adamantyl-5-iodoanisole according to general procedure A gave 3c: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.92 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.35-7.41 (m, 3H, ArH), 3.88 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.08 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.04 (C=O), 159.38, 146.00, 135.36, 127.06, 124.45, 109.54, 55.09 (OCH₃), 40.15, 37.79, 36.95, and 28.90; IR (KBr) 2965, 2900, 2850, 1690 (C=O), 1250, 1160, 1135, 1035, and 1025 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 271(MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ +). Anal. Calcd for C₁₈ H₂₂ O₂.0.02H₂ O: C, 79.86; H, 8.21. Found: C, 79.48; H, 8.34.

Procedure B: Alkoxyarylaldehydes via alkylation of hydroxybenzaldehydes with alkyl halides

Procedure B-1: Sodium hydride (1.1-2.1 equivalents, 80% dispersion in oil) was washed with pentane (3×) and suspended in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (0.3-0.4M solution) at room temperature under argon. A solution of the hydroxybenzaldehyde (1 equivalent) in DMSO (0.2-0.25M final volume) was added via cannula and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The alkyl halide (1.2-2.0 equivalents) was added next and the mixture was stirred for 12-20 h further. The mixture was then poured into a separatory funnel containing ethyl acetate and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (10:1 to 20:1, elution with hexanes to 5% to 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes).

Procedure B-2: A solution of the hydroxybenzaldehyde (1 equivalent) in acetone (0.5M) was treated with the alkyl halide (2-4 equivalents) and potassium carbonate (2-4 equivalents) at room temperature under argon. The resulting slurry was heated at reflux for 14-20 h, and then allowed to cool to room temperature. The mixture was partitioned between diethyl ether and water. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with diethyl ether, and the combined organic layers were washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification of the residue was achieved by column chromatography on silica gel (10:1 to 20:1, elution with hexanes to 5% to 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes).

4-Decyloxybenzaldehyde (3d): commercially available from Lancaster Chemicals.

For 3-decyloxybenzaldehyde (3e): from 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (Aldrich Chemicals) via procedure B-1, scale=7.50 mmol, yield=72%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.95 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.35-7.44 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.11-7.18 (m, 1H, ArH), 3.99 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.78 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.50 (m, 14 H, 7×CH₂), and 0.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.23 (C=O), 159.71, 137.57, 129.97, 123.28, 121.97, 112.75, 68.31 (ArOCH₂), 31.89, 29.55, 29.35, 29.31, 29.12, 25.99, 22.67, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 2725, 1700 (C=O), 1600, 1585, 1485, 1450, 1385, 1285, and 1260 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 263 (MH⁺).

For 2-decyloxybenzaldehyde (3f): from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (Aldrich Chemicals) via procedure B-1, scale=7.50 mmol, yield=60%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ10.49 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.80 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.50 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.94-7.01 (m, 2H, ArH), 4.05 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.81 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.51 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); δ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ189.96 (C=O), 161.59, 135.90, 128.19, 124.89, 120.43, 112.47, 68.53 (ArOCH₂), 31.87, 29.54, 29.32, 29.30, 29.08, 26.05, 22.67, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1690 (C=O), 1600, 1585, 1485, 1460, 1390, 1300, 1285, 1240, 1190, 1160, and 755 cm ⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 263 (MH⁺).

For 4-[(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoxy}benzaldehyde (3 g): from 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (Aldrich Chemicals) via procedure B-1, scale=11.3 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.85 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.80 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.98 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 2H, ArH), 5.43-5.48 (m, 1H, C=CHCH₂ O), 5.04-5.09 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)₂), 4.58 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 2.00-2.15 (m, 4H, C=CHCH₂ CH₂), 1.73 (s, 3H, CH₃), 1.65 (s, 3H, CH₃), and 1.58 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ190.79 (C=O), 164.00, 142.13, 131.94, 129.80, 123.62, 118.59, 114.98, 65.24 (ArOCH₂), 39.50, 39.03, 37.26, 32.45, 26.52, 26.23, 25.67, 17.69, and 16.72; IR (film) 2970, 2925, 2855, 2735, 1695 (C=O), 1600, 1575, 1510, 1450, 1430, 1380, 1310, 1250, 1160, 1110, 990, and 830 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 259 (MH⁺).

For 3,4-Bisdecyloxybenzaldehyde (3h): from 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (Aldrich Chemicals) via procedure B-2, scale=72.4 mmol, yield=53%; mp 59.5°-60° C.; UV_(max) (EtOH) 310 nm (ε=9,200), 276 nm (ε=11,000), 232 nm (ε=15,400); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.81 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.39 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, ArH), 6.93 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.05 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 4.03 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.77-1.88 (m, 4 H, 2×ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.50 (m, 28 H, 14×CH₂), and 0.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 6H, 2×CH.sub. 3); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ190.98 (C=O), 154.68, 149.44, 129.87, 126.57, 111.76, 110.97, 69.13 (2×ArOCH₂), 31.90, 29.57, 29.34, 29.07, 28.98, 25.97, 25.94, and 14.10; IR (film) 2955, 2920, 2850, 1690 (C=O), 1675, 1595, 1585, 1510, 1470, 1440, 1395, 1275, 1235, 1135, and 810 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 419 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₄₆ O₃ : C, 77.46; H, 11.07. Found: C, 77.19; H, 10.99.

For 3,4-Bispentyloxybenzaldehyde (3i): from 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (Aldrich Chemicals) via procedure B-2, scale=109 mmol, yield=quantitative; mp 31°-32.5° C.; UV_(max) (EtOH) 310 nm (ε=9,000), 276 nm (ε=10,900), 232 nm (ε=15,500); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.79 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.38 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, ArH), 6.91 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.04 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 4.02 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.77-1.88 (m, 4H, 2×ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.50 (m, 8 H, 4×CH₂), and 0.90 (t, J=7 Hz, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ190.99 (C=O), 154.65, 149.40, 129.84, 126.61, 111.68, 110.84, 69.08 (2×ArOCH₂), 28.74, 28.65, 28.16, 28.12, 22.42, and 14.02; IR (film) 2955, 2935, 2860, 1690 (C=O), 1675, 1595, 1585, 1510, 1465, 1440, 1395, 1275, 1240, 1165, 1135, 1050, 1025, 1000, 990, and 810 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 279 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₆ O₃ : C, 73.35; H, 9.41. Found: C, 73.61; H, 9.40.

Procedure C: 3-Arylpropionaldehydes via treatment of aryl iodides with allyl alcohol and palladium acetate

3-Arylpropionaldehydes were prepared according to the general procedure of T. Jeffery J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1984, 1287. Upon consumption of all the aryl iodide as judged by ¹ H NMR analysis of a small aliquot, the reaction mixture was partitioned between water and 2:1 hexane/ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water (5×), dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, decanted, and concentrated to give the crude product.

For 3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)propionaldehyde (3 j): scale=27.6 mmol, purified by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product), yield=82%. The precursor aryl iodide, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-iodonaphthalene, was obtained from 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalene (Maybridge Chemicals) via the method of W. W. Sy et al. Synth. Commun. 1990, 20, 877. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.59 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.42 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.03 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ147.68, 144.59, 135.58, 134.57, 128.74, 91.18, 34.83, 34.78, 34.33, 34.13, 31.75, 31.71; IR (KBr) 2955, 2920, 2860, 1580, 1480, 1455, 1385, 1360, 1065, 815 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 315(MH⁺), 314 (M+), 299 (M--CH₃)⁺. Anal. Calcd for C₁₄ H₁₉ I: C, 53.51; H, 6.09; I, 40.39. Found: C, 53.82; H, 6.08; I, 40.33. For 3 j: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.84 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, CHO), 7.25 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.13 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.97 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 2.89-2.95 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.75-2.81 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.69 (s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.29 (s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ201.83 (C=O), 144.94, 142.73, 137.02, 126.63, 126.19, 125.40, 45.18, 35.02, 34.96, 34.10, 33.87, 31.77, and 27.77; IR (KBr) 2960, 2920, 2855, 1725 (C=O), 1455, 1385, 1360, and 820 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 245(MH⁺), 227 (M--OH)⁺. Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₄ O: C, 83.55; H, 9.90. Found: C, 83.85; H, 9.93.

For 3-(3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehyde (3k): scale=28.2 mmol, yield=98%. The precursor aryl iodide, 2-adamantyl-4-iodophenol was prepared from 4-oiodophenol and 1-adamantanol using the general procedure of Shreet et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,720, January 1988. Scale=80 mmol, yield=58%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.44 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.32 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.40 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.77 (s, 1H, OH), 2.06 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ154.18, 139.13, 136.05, 135.32, 118.87, 83.53, 40.16, 36.73, 36.80, and 28.80; IR (KBr) 3530 (OH),2910, 2885, 2850, 1480, 1390, 1245, 1120, 820, and 805cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 355 (MH⁺), 354 (M⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆ H₁₉ OI: C, 54.25; H, 5.41. Found: C, 54.46; H, 5.44. Reaction of 2-adamantyl-4-iodophenol according to general procedure C gave 3k: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.80 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, CHO), 7.00 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.56 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.71 (s, 1H, OH), 2.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 2.73 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂), 2.08 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ202.19 (C= O), 152.83, 136.51, 132.17, 127.04, 126.23, 116.82, 45.65, 40.50, 37.02, 36.64, 29.00, and 27.69; IR (KBr) 3340 (OH), 2910, 2890, 2850, 1710, 1510, 1425, 1370, and 1245 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 285 (MH⁺), 284 (M⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₉ H₂₄ O₂.0.13 H₂ O: C, 79.59; H, 8.53. Found: C, 79.23; H, 8.40.

For 3-(4-(1-Adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehyde (3 l): scale=42.3 mmol, purified by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with methylene chloride followed by 5% methanol/methylene chloride), yield=44%. The precursor aryl iodide, 2-adamantyl-5-iodophenol was prepared from 3-iodophenol as described in the experimental for 3 c. For 3 l:¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ9.67 (s, 1H, CHO), 9.11 (s, 1, OH), 6.92 (d, 1=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.53-6.55 (m, 2H, ArH), 2.68 (s, 4H, 2×CH₂), 2.01 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.68 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 202.88 (C=O), 155.91, 138.85, 133.25, 126.05, 118.57, 116.18, 44.23, 39.96, 36.66, 35.84, 28.41, and 26.87; IR (KBr) 3445 (OH), 2910, 2890, 2845, 1720 (C=O), 1430, and 1225 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 285 (MH⁺), 284 (M⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₉ H₂₄ O₂.0.15 H₂ O: C, 79.49; H, 8.53. Found: C, 79.62; H, 8.47.

For 3-[4-(1-Adamantyl)-3-t-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl)propionaldehyde (3m): scale=51.6 mmol, purified by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 2:1 hexane/methylene chloride), yield=70%. The precursor aryl iodide, 2-adamantyl-5-iodo-1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)benzene, was prepared from 2-adamantyl-5-iodophenol (see 3c for preparation) via treatment with t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride for 24 h at 60° C. The procedure was taken from a similar conversion described by Shreet et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,720, January 1988. Purification by column chromatography (10:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with hexane) gave 2-adamantyl-5-iodo-1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)benzene: scale=118 mmol, yield=97%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.19 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.09 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.90 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (s, 6 H, adamantyl), 1.03 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.34 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ155.39, 139.48, 129.58, 128.80, 127.86, 90.43, 40.18, 36.97, 36.78, 28.92, 26.39 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 19.00 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and -3.51 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2930, 2910, 2875, 2855, 2845, 1575, 1480, 1390, 1265, 1250, 1240, 930, 850, 800, and 785 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 469 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₂ H₃₃ OISi: C, 56.40; H, 7.10. Found: C, 56.66; H, 7.25. Reaction of 2-adamantyl-5-iodo-1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)benzene according to general procedure C gave 3m: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.81 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.11 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.70 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.61 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 2.83-2.89 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.71-2.76 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.06 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.03 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.33 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ201.77 (C=O), 154.71,138.46, 137.53, 127.18, 120.14, 119.05, 45.03, 40.43, 37.05, 36.56, 29.02, 27.42, 26.43 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.96 (SiC(CH₃)3), and -3.34 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (KBr) 2955, 2930, 2910, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1415, 1250, 990, 855, and 780 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 399 (MH⁺), 398 (M⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₅ H₃₈ O₂ Si: C, 75.32; H, 9.61. Found: C, 75.62; H, 9.66.

For 3-[2-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]propionaldehyde (3n): Prepared by the following 5 step sequence. A solution of 2-(1-adamantyl)-1,4-hydroquinone (Miryan, N. I.; et al. Ukr. Khim. Zh. (Russ Ed.) 1990, 56, 183.) (1.88 g, 7.70 mmol) in acetone (100 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere was treated with powdered potassium carbonate (1.06 g, 7.70 mmol) and dimethylsulfate (0.97 g, 7.70 mmol). After stirring for 48 h at reflux, the reaction mixture was cooled and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ether and a saturated ammonium chloride solution. The organic phase was washed with water (5×) and brine, dried with magnesium sulfate, treated with activated charcoal, filtered through celite, concentrated in vacuo to give an oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with methylene chloride) gave 1.0 g of an off-white solid. Trituration with ether gave 0.93 g (47%) of 2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenol as a white solid. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.75 (s, 1H, OH), 6.64 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.59 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.55 (dd, J=3, 8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.62 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.00-2.03 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.70 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ151.98, 149.81, 136.51, 116.49, 112.75, 110.50, 55.14 (OCH₃), 39.72, 36.61, 36.17, and 28.39; IR (KBr) 3380, 2930, 2910, 2885, 2850, 1500, 1420, 1210, 1030, and 745 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 259 (MH⁺), 258 (M⁺), 257 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₇ H₂₂ O₂ : C, 79.03; H, 8.58. Found: C, 78.91; H, 8.51. A slurry of 2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenol (0.93 g, 3.60 mmol) in methylene chloride (60 mL) cooled to -78° C. was treated with ethyldiisopropylamine (0.51 g, 3.96 mmol). Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.12 g, 3.96 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 5 h and at room temperature for 18 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water (5×), dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 1.36 g (96%) of 2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenoxytrifluoromethanesulfonate. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.22 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.92 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.71 (dd, J=3,9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.09 (s, 3H, adamantyl), 2.02-2.03 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.74-1.76 (m, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.34, 143.10, 142.88, 122.11, 118.36 (q, J¹ _(c),f =318 Hz, CF₃), 115.04, 110.84, 55.56 (OCH₃), 40.89, 37.13, 36.50, and 28.80; IR (KBr) 2910, 2855, 1580, 1480, 1415, 1270, 1245, 1220, 1210, 1195, 1140, 1035, 920, 890, 865, 800, and 580 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 391 (MH⁺), 390 (M⁺), 389 (M--H)⁺, 255 (M--C₁₀ H₁₅ +2H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₈ H₂₁ O₄ SF₃ : C, 55.38; H, 5.42. Found: C, 55.48; H, 5.41. A solution of 2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenoxytrifluoromethanesulfonate (1.51 g, 3.87 mmol), 3-tributylstannyl-(2E)-propenol (1.48 g, 4.25 mmol) (Jung, M. E.; Light, L. A. Tetrahedron Lett. 1982, 23, 3851), and bistriphenylphosphinepalladium dichloride (0.05 g, 0.08 mmol) in dimethylformamide was heated at 90° C. for 16 h according to the general procedure of A. Echavarren and J. K. Stille J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1987, 109, 5478. Purification by column chromatography (25:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 20% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.99g (86%) of 3-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-(2E)-propenol. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.35 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, ArCH=CH), 7.30 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.89 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.68 (dd, J=3, 8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 5.93 (dt, J= 15, 6 Hz, 1H, ArCH=CH), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.06-2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ159.19, 149.10, 132.98, 130.76, 129.28, 127.76, 112.94, 109.80, 64.19 (OCH₂), 55.15 (OCH₃), 41.89, 37.95, 36.84, and 29.09; IR (KBr) 3345 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1600, 1570, 1475, 1450, 1300, 1260, 1235, 1030, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 299 (MH⁺), 298 (M⁺), 281 (M-OH)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₀ H₂₆ O₂ : C, 80.50; H, 8.78. Found: C, 80.43; H, 8.87. Hydrogenation of 3-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-(2E)-propenol (0.99 g, 3.30 mmol) was conducted at 60 psi in ethanol using catalytic 10% palladium on charcoal. After 48 h, the solution was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with methylene chloride) gave 3-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-propanol (0.74 g, 75%). ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.09 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.87 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.69 (dd, J=3, 8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.73-3.77 (m, 5H, OCH₂ and OCH₃), 2.92-2.97 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.04-2.09 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.81-1.91 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.75-1.77 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ157.43, 149.02, 132.74, 132.69, 113.02, 109.98, 63.04 (OCH₂), 55.11 (OCH₃), 42.10, 37.93, 36.85, 36.39, 29.91, and 29.19; IR (KBr) 3355 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1605, 1575, 1450, 1290, 1255, 1235, 1055, 1035, and 755 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 301 (MH⁺), 300 (M.sup.), 299 (M--H)⁺, 165 (M--C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ +). Anal. Calcd for C₂₀ H₂₈ O₂ : C, 79.96; H, 9.39. Found: C, 79.63; H, 9.52. Oxidation of 3-[2-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-propanol (0.62 g, 2.1 mmol) was carried out using catalytic tetrapropylammonium perruthenate using the general procedure of W. Griffith and S. Ley Aldrichimica Acta 1990, 23, 13. Purification by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 3-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]propanal (3n) (0.42 g, 68%). ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.87 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.04 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.90 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.71 (dd, J=3,8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.22 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.77 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.10 (s, 3H, adamantyl), 2.03 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.77 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

Example 3: General Procedure for Synthesis of 4

A solution of the phosphonate 2 (1.2-1.6 equivalents) and aldehyde 3 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous toluene (0.10-0.25M) at room temperature under argon was treated dropwise with a solution of sodium ethoxide in ethanol (21 wt %, 1.1-1.5 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature to 70° C. for 4-14 h. The mixture was then partitioned between diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution, and the organic layer was washed further with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 2-3% ethyl acetate in hexanes).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-phenyl-propenoate (4a): scale=2.46 mmol, yield=87% [3.5:1 ratio of (E)/(Z) isomers]; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.83 (s, 1H, C=CH from (E)-isomer), 7.62 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.13-7.48 (m, 9H, ArH and C=CH from (Z)-isomer), 4.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.28 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from (E)-isomer), and 1.17 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from (Z)-isomer); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.21 (C=O), 140.89, 138.01, 134.15, 132.70, 131.18, 130.85, 130.56, 130.07, 129.45, 129.30, 128.58, 128.46, 128.31, 125.12, 122.41, 61.50 (CO₂ CH₂ from (Z)-isomer), 61.35 (CO₂ CH₂ from (E)-isomer), 14.24 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from (E)-isomer), and 13.81 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from (Z)-isomer); IR (film) 2980, 1710 (C=O), 1560, 1475, 1450, 1370, 1245, 1210, 1180, 1075, 1040, and 690 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 331/333 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl- 2-naphthalenyl)-propenoate (4b): scale=8.63 mmol, yield=63%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 300 nm (68 =19,900); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.77 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.47 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.13-7.28 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.92 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.87 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.57 (br s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃) and 0.98 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.45 (C=O), 146.94, 144.85, 141.23, 138.82, 132.67, 131.12, 130.68, 130.25, 129.85, 129.11, 128.60, 128.41, 126.64, 122.61, 61.22 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.79 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.32, 33.96, 31.56 (CH₃), 31.42 (CH₃), and 14.29 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1710 (C=O), 1620, 1605, 1560, 1490, 1470, 1460, 1365, 1280, 1245, 1215, 1175, 1070, 1040, and 830 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 441/443 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-propenoate (4c): scale=5.0 mmol, yield=64%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.00 (s, 1H, 3-ArH), 7.66 (s, 3H, 3-ArH and C=CH), 7.41-7.51 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.15-7.21 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.81 (dd, J=1, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.29 (q, J=6 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.75 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.27-1.41 (m, 15 H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.43 (C=O), 146.14, 145.06, 141.49, 138.27, 133.04, 131.81, 131.56, 131.39, 131.05, 130.85, 130.52, 130.00, 128.96, 126.94, 125.64, 125.60, 124.76, 122.40, 61.32 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.97 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.72, 34.58, 32.47 and 32.44 (4×CH₃), and 14.32 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 1710 (C=O), 1615, 1470, 1365, 1240, 1185, 1165, and 1150 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 493/491 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4d): scale=9.60 mmol, yield=79%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.77 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.36-7.48 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.11-7.25 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.96 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.67 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 4.22 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.71 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.43 (m, 17H, 7×CH₂ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.52 (C=O), 160.12, 140.72, 138.59, 132.79, 132.43, 130.70, 130.17, 128.67, 128.50, 126.46, 122.50, 114.32, 68.01 (ArOCH₂), 61.16 (CO₂ CH₂), 31.88, 29.54, 29.34, 29.11, 25.96, 22.67, 14.29, and 14.12; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1710 (C=O), 1600, 1570, 1560, 1510, 1470, 1365, 1300, 1250, 1210, 1170, 1070, 1040, 830, and 690 cmA; MS (DCI) m/e 487/489 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4e): scale=3.2 mmol, yield=46%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.75 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.45 (dd, J=2, 6 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.25 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (dt, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H 2-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.70 (d, J=8, 1 H, 3-ArH), 6.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.94 (t, J=7Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.48 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ ), 1.71-1.78 (m, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.60-1.65 (m, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.17-1.29 (m, 31H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.87 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.46 (C=O), 150.34 (3-ArC⁴), 148.20 (3-ArC³), 141.00, 138.90, 132.89, 130.59, 130.24, 128.76, 128.31, 126.65, 125.64, 114.15, 112.29, 68.87 (ArOCH₂), 68.46 (ArOCH₂), 61.14 (CO₂ CH₂), 31.92, 31.89, 29.63, 29.57, 29.54, 29.37, 29.34, 29.03, 28.94, 25.93, 25.83, 22.69, 22.67, 14.29, and 14.13; IR (KBr) 2955, 2920, 2850, 1705 (C=O), 1515, 1465, 1275, 1250, 1225, 1190, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 645/643 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentenoate (4f): scale=7.91 mmol, yield=48%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.42 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.06-7.28 (m, 8 H, 3×2-ArH, 4×5-ArH, and C=CH), 6.91 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.18 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.72 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.44 (C=O), 144.41, 140.54, 137.21, 133.54, 130.43, 129.40, 128.34, 126.20, 121.80, 60.93 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.81, 31.36, and 14.14 (CO.sub. 2 CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3060, 3025, 2980, 2935, 2860, 1710 (C=O), 1560, 1475, 1455, 1365, 1260, 1250, 1185, 1070, 1045, 790, 750, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 359/361 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenoate (4g): scale=14.7 mmol, yield=64%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.40-7.44 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.10-7.26 (m, 4H, 3×2-ArH and C=CH), 7.04 (s, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82-6.89 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 4.21 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.71 (t, 2H, J=8 Hz, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.69 (m, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.23-1.33 (m, 15H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.58 (C=O), 154.95, 144.90, 144.78, 142.73, 137.49, 137.37, 133.26, 132.55, 130.45, 60.99 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.18, 35.14, 34.72, 34.20, 34.01, 31.96, 31.88, 31.62, and 14.29 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1715 (C=O), and 1250 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 469 (MH⁺); Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₃ BrO₂ (MH⁺): 469.1742. Found: 469.1745.

For Ethyl (2E),(4E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadienoate (4h): scale=8.19 mmol, yield=45%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.91 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 7.42-7.46 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.16-7.29 (m, 4 H, ArH), 7.10 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.43 (dd, J=1.5, 12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.27 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.23 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl.sub. 3) δ167.27 (C=O), 148.20, 146.20, 145.00, 139.00, 137.14, 133.32, 130.50, 129.36, 129.16, 126.64, 124.21, 123.32, 122.05, 61.01 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.03, 34.88, 34.31, 34.20, 31.77, 31.69, 16.64 (C=CCH₃), and 14.33 (OCH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1705 (C=O), 1610, 1595, 1460, 1365, 1260, 1235, 1185, 1155, 1045, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 481/483 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4i): scale=9.79 mmol, yield=55%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.37-7.41 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07-7.17 (m, 4H, 3×2-ArH and C=CH), 6.85 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.61 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.18 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.68 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.35 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.22 (q, J= 7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.57 (C=O), 158.75, 144.70, 139.21, 137.29, 133.32, 132.48, 130.43, 129.41, 128.38, 126.49, 121.85, 120.25, 111.95, 60.99 (CO₂ CH₂), 54.91 (OCH₃), 40.64, 37.13, 36.69, 34.60, 31.43, and 14.22 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1715 (C=O), 1410, 1250, 1205, 1185, and 1040 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 523/525 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4j): scale =10.1 mmol, yield=76% (3:1 ratio of E:Z isomers); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(E-isomer) 7.43 (dd, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.16-7.21 (m, 3H, C=CH and 2×2-ArH), 6.93-6.96 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.52 (br s, 1H, OH), 4.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.68 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.36 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.13 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.81 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.30 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); (Z-isomer) 7.50 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.43 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.23 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.06 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.90 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.59 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.26 (m, 1H, C=CH), 5.52 (br s, 1H, OH), 4.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.78 (m, 4 H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.13 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.81 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.34 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(E and Z isomers) 167.95 (C=O from Z-isomer), 167.13 (C=O from E-isomer), 153.21, 153.16, 145.55, 141.35, 140.11, 137.29, 136.29, 133.65, 133.15, 132.55, 132.14, 130.56, 130.51, 130.41, 129.76, 129.51, 128.43, 127.19, 126.38, 126.12, 122.37, 122.00, 116.83, 61.32 (CO₂ CH₂ from E-isomer), 61.23 (CO₂ CH₂ from Z-isomer), 40.54 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.17 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.67 (adamantyl quaternary), 34.93, 34.49 (CH₂), 32.20, 32.03 (CH₂), 29.13 (adamantyl CH), 15.23 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from Z-isomer), and 14.29 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ from E-isomer); IR (film) 3440 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1270, 1250, 1210, 1195, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 509/511 (1:1, MH⁺); Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₃ BrO₃ (MH⁺): 531.1511. Found: 531.1492.

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4k): scale=5.39 mmol, yield=36%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.75 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.40-7.47 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.25 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH) 6.70 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.94 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.48 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.72-1.82 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.58-1.65 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.44 (m, 8H, 4×CH₂), 1.25 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 0.86-0.94 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 15 167.46 (C=O), 150.37, 148.24, 140.99, 138.92, 132.92, 130.60, 130.24, 128.77, 128.35, 126.69, 125.65, 122.56, 114.21, 112.33, 68.88 (ArOCH₂), 68.46 (ArOCH₂), 61.22 (CO₂ CH₂), 28.74, 28.64, 28.11, 28.01, 22.40, 14.30 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 14.05, and 14.00; IR (film) 2955, 2935, 2870, 1710 (C=O), 1615, 1595, 1560, 1515, 1470, 1430, 1390, 1380, 1330, 1270, 1245, 1190, 1140, 1070, 1040, 1000, 805, and 690 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 503/505 (MH⁺ , 1:1).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4l): scale=11.9 mmol, yield=63%, 12:1 mixture of E:Z isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.83 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.58 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.44-7.50 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.66 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 4.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.95 (t, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ from minor isomer), 3.87 (t, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.66-1.75 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.38 (m, 17H, 7×CH₂ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 0.85 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.41 (C=O), 160.16 (3-ArC4), 141.04, 137.23, 133.52, 132.32 (3-ArC), 130.75, 129.02, 128.39, 127.02 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 126.33, 124.35 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 114.33 (3-ArC), 68.03 (CO₂ CH₂), 61.20 (ArOCH₂), 31.87, 29.52, 29.32, 29.08, 25.94, 22.66, 14.23, and 14.10; IR (KBr) 2925, 2855, 1710 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1325, 1310, 1250, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 477 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3-decyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4m): scale=5.4 mmol, yield=50%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.85 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.57 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.52 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.47 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.75 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.65 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.42 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.26 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.53 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.55-1.63 (m, 2 H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.22-1.30 (m, 17H, 7×CH₂ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.07 (C=O), 158.76 (3-ArC³), 141.30, 136.99, 135.16, 133.47, 131.20, 129.32, 129.04, 126.99 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.44 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.43, 117.01,114.84, 67.65 (CO₂ CH₂), 61.41 (ArOCH₂), 31.89, 29.41, 29.31, 29.02, 25.84, 22.68, 14.21, and 14.11; IR (film) 3585, 2925, 2855, 1710 (C=O), 1325, 1230, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 477 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(2-decyloxyphenyl)propenoate (4n): scale=8.0 mmol, yield=72%, approx. 2:1 mixture of E:Z isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.24 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.13-7.74 (m, 4 H, 2-ArH), 6.80-6.95 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.53-6.62 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 4.20-4.35 (m, 2H, CO₂ CH₂ for both isomers), 4.01 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂ for both isomers), 1.75-1.88 (m, 2H, OCH₂ CH₂ for both isomers), 1.22-1.55 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂ for both isomers), 1.14 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ for both isomers), and 0.84-0.91 (m, 3H, CH₃ for both isomers).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-[4-(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dienoxy]phenyl)-propenoate (4o): scale=2.73 mmol, yield=62%, 4:1 mixture of E:Z isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.83 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.31-7.60 (m, 4 H, 2-ArH), 6.87-6.99 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.68 (dt, J=2, 9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 5.40 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 1H, C=CHCH₂ OAr), 5.02-5.08 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)₂), 4.55 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ from minor isomer), 4.47 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 4.19-4.31 (m, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.96-2.08 (m, 4H, C=CHCH₂ CH₂), 1.51-1.76 (m, 9H, 3×CH₃), 1.00-1.27 (m, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.41 (C=O), 159.91 (3-ArC⁴), 141.59, 141.01, 137.22, 133.53, 133.16, 132.30, 131.85, 130.76, 130.03, 129.68, 129.03, 128.57, 127.04 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 126.45, 124.40 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.70, 119.13, 118.96 (3-ArC), 114.68, 114.56 (3-ArC), 64.88 (ArOCH₂), 61.50, 61.21 (CO₂ CH₂), 39.48, 29.71, 26.23, 25.67, 17.67, 16.64, 14.23 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 13.93; IR (film) 2980, 2930, 1710 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1445, 1380, 1310, 1250, 1210, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 473 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-propenoate (4p): scale=3.58 mmol, yield=69%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.80 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.40-7.59 (m, 4H, 2-ArH), 6.75 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.69 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.31 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.93 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.71-1.80 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ O), 1.53-1.61 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ O), 1.21-1.43 (m, 31H, 14×CH₂ and OCH₂ CH₃), and 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.35, 150.43, 148.31, 141.33, 137.85, 133.66, 129.15, 128.33, 136.80 (q, J² _(c),f =38 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.58, 124.25, 114.10, 112.40, 68.91 (CH₂ O), 68.38 (CH₂ O), 61.19 (CO₂ CH₂), 31.91, 29.57, 29.35, 29.04, 28.93, 25.92, 25.76, 22.68, 14.25 (OCH₂ CH₃), and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1710, 1595, 1515, 1470, 1430, 1390, 1325, 1310, 1270, 1250, 1165, 1130, 1095, 1075, 1045, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 633 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-propenoate (4q): scale=4.1 mmol, yield=approx. 50%, 3:1 mixture of product (A) to starting material (B). ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ10.09 (s, 1H, CH=O, B), 8.24 (s, 1H, ArH, B), 8.05 (s, 1H, C=CH, A), 7.95 (s, 1H, ArH, B), 7.83-7.84 (m, 1H, ArH, A), 7.58-7.66 (m, 5H, ArH), 7.40-7.49 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.75 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.30 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.79 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂, B), 1.75 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂, A), 1.41 (s, 12H, 4'CH₃, B), 1.36 (br s, 12H, 4' CH₃, A), and 1.32 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.44 (C=O, B), 168.80 (C=O, A), 146.22, 145.12, 141.80, 136.90, 134.64, 133.74, 131.79, 131.54, 131.34, 130.82, 130.41, 128.92, 128.31, 127.24, 126.96, 126.84, 125.62, 125.43, 125.27, 124.74, 124.51, 121.65, 61.38 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.91, 34.83, 34.70, 34.56, 32.41 (4×CH₃), and 14.26 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (KBr) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1710 (C=O, A), 1680 (C=O, B), 1470, 1320, 1310, 1240, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 481 (MH⁺, A) and 267 (MH⁺, B).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenoate (4r): scale=4.09 mmol, yield=56%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.37 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.30 (br s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 7.03 (d, J=8 Hz, 5-ArH) 6.98 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.81 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.18 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.68 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.47 (C=O), 145.13, 144.80, 142.77, 137.37, 136.00, 133.22, 133.07, 130.26 (q, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 128.32, 126.65, 126.50 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.65, 124.16 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 61.01 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.10, 34.64, 34.13, 33.95, 31.86, 31.77, 31.57, and 14.19 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1715 (C=O), 1495, 1460, 1445, 1385, 1365, 1325, 1310, 1250, 1180, 1165, 1130, 1095, 1075, 1045, 810, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 459 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenoate (4s): scale=2.66 mmol, yield=58%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.09 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.80-6.98 (m, 6H, 4×2-ArH and 2×5-ArH), 4.17 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.66 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.97 (C=O), 162.02 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 2-ArC), 144.73, 144.31, 142.68, 137.58, 133.51, 131.26 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.58, 125.74, 114.72 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 2-ArC), 60.86 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.11, 35.07, 34.67, 34.14, 33.95, 31.89, 31.80, 31.55, and 14.24 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1715 (C=O), 1640, 1605, 1510, 1495, 1460, 1410, 1385, 1365, 1250, 1220, 1205, 1185, 1160, 1095, 1070, 1045, 840, 825, and 765 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 409 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenoate (4t): scale=2.29 mmol, yield=57%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.17-7.24 (m, 2H, 1×2-ArH and 1×5-ArH), 7.11 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.98 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.94 (apparent tt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.67 (dt, J=2,8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.58 (apparent dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 4.17 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2-68 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.33 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.65 (C=O), 162.30 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 2-ArC), 144.77, 144.63, 142.73, 137.49, 137.36 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 2-ArC), 133.44, 129.25 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 2-ArC), 126.56, 125.72, 125.35 (d, J⁴ _(c),f =3 Hz, 2-ArC), 116.64 (J² _(c),f =22 Hz, 2-ArC), 114.24 (J² _(c),f =22 Hz, 2-ArC), 60.92 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.12, 35.08, 34.64, 34.14, 33.96, 31.87, 31.80, 31.55, and 14.23 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1715 (C=O), 1640, 1610, 1585, 1490, 1460, 1440, 1410, 1385, 1365, 1260, 1230, 1190, 1175, 1135, 1070, 1045, 885, 825, and 790 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 409 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-phenyl-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenoate (4u): scale=2.66 mmol, yield=53%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.23-7.30 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.92-6.95 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.17 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.66 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.34 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.18 (C=O), 144.59, 143.92, 142.58, 137.73, 135.25, 129.57, 127.82, 127.25, 126.53, 125.71, 60.76 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.14, 35.09, 34.75, 34.15, 33.94, 31.88, 31.81, 31.47, and 14.25 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1715 (C=O), 1495, 1460, 1445, 1385, 1365, 1250, 1205, 1185, 1070, 1045, 1030, 825, 775, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 391 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4v): scale=6.17 mmol, yield=32% (3:1 E:Z isomers); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(E-isomer) 7.53 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.24 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (m, 2H, C=CH and 2-ArH), 6.89 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.87 (s, 1H, OH), 4.20 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.66 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.31 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂ ), 2.07 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.25 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); (Z)-isomer, partially obscured: 7.03 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.26 (m, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.88 (s, 1H, OH), 4.27 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.76 (m, 4H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.29 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(E- and Z-isomers) δ166.64 (C=O), 152.88, 152.81, 145.32, 142.09, 138.93, 136.23, 135.99, 133.20, 133.12, 132.80, 132.34, 130.80, 130.26 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 128.63, 128.34, 127.24, 127.18, 126.49 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 126.31, 125.90, 124.19 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 116.74, 61.13 (CO₂ CH₂ from E-isomer), 61.05 (CO₂ CH₂ from Z-isomer), 40.54 (adamantyl CH₂ from Z-isomer), 40.49 (adamantyl CH₂ from E-isomer), 37.05 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.59 (adamantyl quaternary), 34.84 (CH₂ from Z-isomer), 34.42 (CH₂ from E-isomer), 32.13 (CH₂ from Z-isomer), 31.91 (CH₂ from E-isomer), 29.01 (adamantyl CH), and 14.19 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3450 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1325, 1255, 1210, 1180, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 499 (MH⁺), 488 (M⁺), 487 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.27; H, 6.67. Found: C, 72.70; H, 7.01.

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4w): scale=6.17 mmol, yield=32%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.53-7.55 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.33 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.10-7.17 (m, 2H, C=CH and 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.60 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.34 (d,J=2Hz, 1H, 5-ArH),4.83(s, 1H, OH),4.19(q, J=7Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.60 (C=O), 154.40, 144.98, 139.21, 135.94, 134.40, 133.34, 133.13, 130.30 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 128.40, 127.05, 126.47 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.25 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.08 (q, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 120.55, 116.73, 61.15 (CO₂ CH₂), 40.59 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.04 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.40 (adamantyl quaternary), 34.00 (CH₂), 31.24 (CH₂), 29.01 (adamantyl CH), and 14.16 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (KBr) 3460 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1420, 1325, 1265, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 499 (MH.sup. +), 498 (M⁺), 497 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.27; H, 6.67. Found: C, 72.64; H, 6.60.

For Ethyl (E)-2-phenyl-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4×): scale=7.00 mmol, yield=59%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.22-7.33 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 7.06 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.96-7.01 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.16 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 374 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.67 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.03-2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (br s, 6 H, adamantyl), and 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.17 (C=O), 158.72, 143.76, 139.50, 136.36, 135.24, 134.57, 129.62, 127.84, 127.29, 126.36, 120.25, 111.97, 60.80 (CO₂ CH₂), 54.89 (OCH₃), 40.66, 37.14, 36.68, 34.67, 31.32, 29.11, and 14.24 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1710 (C=O), 1610, 1465, 1450, 1415, 1250, 1205, 1185, 1165, 1140, 1100, 1045, 1030, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 445 (MH⁺).

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4y): scale=1.41 mmol, yield=41%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.54 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.43 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.18-7.28 (m, 2H, C=CH and 2-ArH), 6.90 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.83 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.63 (dd, J=3, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.21 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.97 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.35 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.03 (br s, 3H, adamantyl), 1.91 (m, 6H, adamantyl), 1.72 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.26 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.54 (C=O), 157.69, 149.05, 144.95, 136.04, 133.06, 132.66, 131.34, 130.40 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 128.41, 126.46 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.30 (d, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 2-ArC), 113.17, 110.00, 61.12 (CO₂ CH₂),55.09 (OCH₃), 42.10 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.85 (adamantyl quaternary), 36.74 (adamantyl CH₂), 33.31 (CH₂), 32.66 (CH₂), 29.07 (adamantyl CH), and 14.20 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2910, 2850, 1715 (C=O), 1605, 1575, 1465, 1445, 1325, 1255, 1165, 1130, 1075, 760, 710, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 513 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₆ O₃ F₃ (MH⁺): 513.2617. Found: 513.2601.

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluorophenyl)-3-[-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-propenoate (4z): scale=4.26 mmol, yield=65%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.84 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.42-7.61 (m, 4H, 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.74 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.32 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.31 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 1.98 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.71 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.27 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.23 (C=O), 158.28, 141.14, 140.80, 137.50, 133.53, 132.40, 131.09 (d, J.sup. 2_(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 130.07, 129.17, 126.99 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 126.56, 124.38 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.01 (d, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 112.59, 61.32 (CO₂ CH₂), 54.17 (OCH₃), 40.26 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.14 (adamantyl quaternary), 36.99 (adamantyl CH₂), 28.92 (adamantyl CH), and 14.23 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1710 (C=O), 1325, 1230, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 485 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₁ O₃ F₃ : C, 71.88; H, 6.45. Found: C, 70.46; H, 6.21.

For Ethyl (E)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-t-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl]-2-pentenoate (4aa): scale=4.94 mmol, yield=59%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.53 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.39 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.33 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.15 (m, 1H, C=CH), 7.08 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.60 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.47 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.19 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.63 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.31 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.24 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 0.99 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.25 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.41 (C=O), 154.58, 144.81, 138.73, 137.46, 135.97, 133.39, 133.05, 128.39, 127.09, 126.47 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.23 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 120.33, 119.06, 61.05 (CO₂ CH₂), 40.43 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.05 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.55 (adamantyl quaternary), 34.25 (CH₂), 31.44 (CH₂), 29.03 (adamantyl CH), 26.38 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.89 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.19 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and -3.43 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2905, 2855, 1715 (C=O), 1415, 1325, 1265, 860, 840, 780, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 613 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₆ H₄₇ O₃ F₃ Si: C, 70.56; H, 7.73. Found: C, 70.47; H, 7.66.

Example 4: General Procedure for Synthesis of 5

A solution of ester 4 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous THF (0.1-0.2M) was cooled to -78° C. under argon. A solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1M in hexanes, 2.5 equivalents) was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C. to room temperature. The reaction was quenched by slow addition of methanol followed by treatment with saturated ammonium chloride. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 min and then partitioned between diethyl ether and 1N HCl solution. The layers were agitated until all solid in the aqueous phase had dissolved. The organic layer was separated and washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification was achieved by column chromatography (30:1-40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% to 15% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to provide the target compound.

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-phenyl-2-propenol (5a): scale=2.14 mmol, yield=78%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.38-7.43 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.10-7.20 (m, 5H, ArH), 6.96-7.00 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.70 (br s, 1H, C=CH), and 4.41 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ140.81, 139.83, 135.86, 131.50, 130.63, 130.31, 129.22, 128.10, 127.70, 127.18, 122.76, and 68.35 (CH₂ OH); IR (film) 3320 (OH), 3060, 3020, 1590, 1560, 1495, 1470, 1450, 1410, 1095, 1070, 1030, 1000, 920, 880, 790, 785, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 288/290 (M⁺, 1:1), 271/273 (M⁺ --OH, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-propenol (5b): scale=5.44 mmol, yield=99%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.42-7.47 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.18-7.28 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.88 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH) 6.83 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.63 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 4.42 (dd, J=1.5, 7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 1.60 (br s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.20 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃) and 0.98 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); IR (film) 3000-3300 (br, OH), 2950, 2920, 2860, 1555, 1500, 1470, 1460, 1415, 1360, 1350, 1035, 915, 820, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 398/400 (M⁺, 1:1), 381/383 (M⁺ --OH, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propenol (5c): scale=2.66 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.62 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.39-7.48 (m, 4 H, ArH), 7.13-7.15 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.83-6.87 (m, 2H, ArH and C=CH), 4.70 (dd, J=1, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 1.73 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.34-1.37 (m, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ144.72, 144.60, 140.93, 139.29, 132.65, 131.53, 130.87, 130.66, 130.56, 128.34, 128.02, 126.60, 125.89, 125.02, 124.64, 122.76, 68.55 (CH₂ OH), 35.04 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.58, 34.53, and 32.47 (4×CH₃); IR (KBr) 3400 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1560, 1470, and 1360 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 451/449 (MH⁺, 1:1), 433/431 (MH⁺ --H₂ O, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5d): scale=7.40 mmol, yield=78%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.37-7.42 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.12-7.24 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.89 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.61-6.67 (m, 3H, 2×3-ArH and C=CH), 4.39 (dd, J=1, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.71 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.57 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, OH), 1.18-1.43 (m, 14 H, 7×CH₂), and 0.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.33, 141.22, 137.61, 131.57, 130.48, 130.36, 128.11, 127.80, 127.62, 122.81, 114.09, 68.74 (CH₂ OH), 67.91 (ArOCH₂), 31.89, 29.55, 29.37, 29.31, 29.21, 26.01, 22.68, and 14.12; IR (film) 3400 (br, OH), 2950, 2940, 2920, 2850, 1605, 1590, 1555, 1510, 1475, 1400, 1395, 1375, 1300, 1250, 1175, 1090, 1060, 1050, 1030, 995, 975, 880, 830, 790, 775, and 720 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 444/446 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5e): scale=0.84 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39-7.43 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.15-7.24 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.67 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.59 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.58 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.42 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.39 (br s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.91 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.54 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.75 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.59 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.24-1.40 (m, 28 H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ148.44 (3-ArC⁴), 148.27 (3-ArC³), 141.50, 137.70, 131.80, 130.42, 128.52, 127.78, 122.83, 122.68, 113.90, 112.96, 69.05, 68.75, 68.65, 31.93, 29.65, 29.60, 29.57, 29.37, 29.20, 29.04, 25.98, 25.89, 22.70, and 14.12; IR (KBr) 3100-3400 (br, OH), 2955, 2920, 2850, 1515, 1470, 1425, 1270, 1235, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 603/601 (MH⁺, 1:1), 585/583 (MH⁺ --H₂ O, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentenol (5f): scale=5.80 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.08-7.29 (m, 7H, 3×2-ArH and 4×5-ArH), 6.98 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.77 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.25 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.67 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), and 2.30 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ141.17, 140.44, 139.72, 131.33, 130.10, 129.70, 128.78, 128.37, 128.22, 127.17, 125.85, 122.26, 67.70 (CH₂ OH), 35.67, and 30.26; IR (film) 3350 (br, OH), 3085, 3060, 3025, 2920, 2860, 1590, 1560, 1495, 1475, 1455, 1410, 1365, 1100, 1080, 1070, 1030, 995, 790, 750, 700, and 670 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 299/301 (M⁺ --OH, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (5g): scale=3.2 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.38 (ddd, J=1, 2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.27 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.13-7.24 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.95 (dt, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.80 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.26 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.61 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.44 (m, 1H, OH), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃) δ144.66, 142.44, 140.63, 139.53, 138.19, 131.47, 130.18, 129.82, 129.42, 127.31, 126.47, 125.75, 122.34, 107.61, 67.88 (CH₂ OH), 35.59, 35.18, 35.12, 34.16, 33.96, 31.93 (CH₃), 31.88, and 30.49; IR (film) 3335 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1470, 1460, 1360, 1070, 790, 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 426/428 (MH⁺, 1:1). Anal. Calcd for C₂₅ H₃₁ BrO: C, 70.25; H, 7.31. Found: C, 70.15; H, 7.20.

For (2Z),(4E)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadienol (5h): scale=3.47 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.49 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.19-7.27 (m, 4H, 2×2-ArH and 2×5-ArH), 7.09 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.74 (dt, J=1.5, 12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.45 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.46 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.22 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.65 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.24 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ139.99, 139.07, 131.87, 130.46, 129.86, 127.82, 126.46, 125.19, 123.83, 123.08, 122.47, 122.15, 67.87 (CH₂ OH), 35.12, 34.97, 34.30, 34.10, 31.81, 31.75, and 16.11 (C=CCH₃); IR (film) 3335 (br, OH), 2960, 2930, 2860, 1590, 1555, 1495, 1470, 1460, 1385, 1360, 1215, 1085, 1070, 885, 825, 785, 760, 700, and 680 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 438/440 (M⁺, 1:1), 421/423 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5i): scale=5.4 mmol, yield=78%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 7.36-7.39 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.23 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.94 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.56 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 5.77 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.25 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.71, 140.60, 139.93, 139.67, 136.21, 131.49, 130.18, 129.81, 129.22, 127.30, 126.30, 122.32, 120.31, 112.00, 67.85 (CH₂ OH), 54.92 (OCH₃), 40.64, 37.14, 36.66, 35.48, 30.33, and 29.10; IR (film) 3355 (br, OH), 2900, 2850, 1560, 1450, 1410, and 1245 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 483/481 (MH⁺, 1:1), 465/463 (MH⁺ --H₂ O, 1:1).

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5j): scale=2.6 mmol, yield=95% (3:1, Z:E); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(Z-isomer) 7.37 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.99 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 5.77 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.09 (br s, 1H, ArOH), 4.26 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.57 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (m, 9H, admantyl), and 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl); (E-isomer, partially obscured) 7.55 (m, 1H, 2-Ar), 5.91 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.21 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.71 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), and 2.53 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ153.11, 152.77, 143.39, 140.62, 139.43, 138.33, 136.19, 133.05, 132.64, 131.45, 130.16, 129.99, 129.82, 129.60, 129.38, 127.59, 127.36, 127.15, 126.67, 126.36, 124.86, 122.60, 122.37, 116.83, 116.61, 67.91, 59.45, 40.55, 40.45, 37.08, 36.60, 35.31, 35.08, 31.04, 30.78, 29.05, and 25.61; IR (KBr) 3520 (OH), 3345 (br, OH), 2900, 2850, 1450, 1420, 1240, 1100, 995, and 785 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 466/468 (M⁺, 1:1), 241,135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₁ BrO₂ : C, 69.38; H, 6.68. Found: C, 69.06; H, 6.91.

For (Z)-2-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5k): scale=1.67 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39-7.44 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.11-7.24 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.67 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.60 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.58 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.42 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.39 (dd, J=1.5, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 3.54 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 1.71-1.81 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.55-1.65 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.29-1.44 (m, 8H, 4×CH₂), and 0.86-0.92 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ148.41, 148.23, 141.49, 137.69, 131.78, 130.43, 128.50, 127.79, 127.76, 122.83, 122.68, 113.81, 112.87, 69.00 (3-ArOCH₂), 68.75 (CH₂ OH), 68.60 (3-ArOCH₂), 28.87, 28.70, 28.16, 28.05, 22.46, 22.40, 14.08 and 14.04; IR (film) 3355 (OH), 3265 (OH), 2955, 2930, 2870, 2855, 1515, 1465, 1430, 1270, 1235, 1170, 1140, 1085, 1070, 1035, 985, 800, and 785 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 461/463 (MH⁺, 1:1), 443/445 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5l): scale=7.4 mmol, yield=80%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51-7.54 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.39-7.42 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.85 (dr, J=3, 8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.61-6.67 (m, 3H, 2×3-ArH and C=CH), 4.44 (dd, J=1, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.85 (t, J=6 Hz, ArOCH₂), 1.71 (quint, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.24-1.41 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), 0.85 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.40 (3-ArC4), 139.86, 137.59, 132.57, 130.42 (3-ArC), 129.20, 128.13, 127.99, 125.60 (q, J³ _(c), f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.16 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 114.14 (3-ArC), 68.65, 67.93, 31.88, 29.54, 29.36, 29.30, 29.19, 25.99, 22.66, and 14.10; IR (KBr) 3550, 3400 (br, OH), 2960, 2940, 2920, 2850, 1605, 1510, 1475, 1420, 1390, 1325, 1310, 1255, 1180, and 1160 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 434 (M⁺), 417 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5m): scale=2.7 mmol, yield=68%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.52-7.54 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.37-7.45 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.02 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.72 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.65 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.42 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.46 (dd, J=1, 5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.55-1.68 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.37 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3 H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.74 (3-ArC), 139.90, 139.69, 136.94, 132.51, 129.24, 129.09, 128.17, 125.60 (q, J³ _(c), f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.24 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 121.78, 114.48, 114.29, 68.31, 67.65, 31.89, 29.55, 29.31, 29.08, 25.88, 22.68, and 14.11; IR (film) 3330 (br, OH), 2925, 2855, 1600, 1570, 1470, 1435, 1325, 1265, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 435 (MH⁺), 417 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(2-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5n): scale=5.7 mmol, yield=99%, ca. 5:3 mixture of Z:E isomers. A solution of the crude mixture (2.46 g, 5.5 mmol) in pyridine (23 mL) at room temperature was treated with acetic anhydride (0.73 g, 7.2 mmol) and 4,4-dimethylaminopyridine (10 mg). The solution was stirred for 1.5 h, and was then diluted with diethyl ether and poured into a separatory funnel containing 1N HCl solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 2.6 g of a yellow oil. The crude material was purified by column chromatography (40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% to 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford 1.1 g (42%) of the acetate target compound as a single isomer: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.46-7.48 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.31-7.39 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.09 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.98 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.66 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.56 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-Art1), 4.94 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAc), 3.94 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 2.04 (s, 3H, COCH₃), 1.78 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, OCH₂ CH₂), 1.13-1.50 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.70 (C=O), 157.03 (3-ArC), 139.27, 134.33, 132.31, 130.09, 128.89, 128.80, 127.07, 125.64 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.59, 124.06 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 119.78, 111.62, 69.00, 68.30, 31.90, 29.62, 29.39, 29.33, 29.20, 26.09, 22.68, 20.92, 18.54, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1740 (C=O), 1450, 1325, 1245, 1220, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 477 (MH⁺), 476 (M⁺). A solution of the acetate (1.04 g, 2.18 mmol) in methanol (10.9 mL) was treated with 2N NaOH solution (4.4 mL, 8.7 mmol) and was stirred at reflux for 2 h. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and was poured into water and extracted with diethyl ether. Sodium chloride was added to the aqueous layer, which was extracted a second time with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed sequentially with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 0.96 g of a colorless oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% to 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) afforded 0.87 g (92%) of the product (5n) as a clear, colorless oil: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45-7.51 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.31-7.40 (m, 2H, 2ArH), 7.09 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.95 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.67 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.56 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.52 (dd, J=1, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.94 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, OCH₂), 1.78 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, OCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.48 (m, 14 H, 7×CH₂), 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ157.05 (3-ArC), 139.66, 132.42, 130.19, 128.83, 128.59, 125.52 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.98, 124.49, 123.95 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 119.80, 111.63, 68.41, 68.34, 31.90, 29.62, 29.58, 29.39, 29.34, 29.20, 26.10, 22.68, and 14.11; IR (film) 3380 (br, OH), 2925, 2855, 1580, 1325, 1245, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 435 (MH⁺), 434 (M⁺), 417 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-[4-(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dienoxy]phenyl)-2-propenol (5o): scale=2.0 mmol, yield=67%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.52-7.54 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.39-7.45 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.86 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.63-6.68 (m, 3H, 2×3-ArH and ArCH=C), 5.41 (dt, J=1, 6.5 Hz, 1H, C=CHCH₂₀), 5.03-5.06 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)2), 4.40-4.45 (m, 4 tt, ArOCH₂ and CH₂ OH), 2.02-2.10 (m, 4H, C=CHCH₂ CH₂), and 1.56-1.68 (m, 9H, 3×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.14 (3-ArC), 141.22, 139.85, 137.67, 132.56, 131.81, 130.93, 130.41 (3-ArC), 129.20, 128.09, 125.61 (q, J³ _(c), f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.15, 123.77, 119.31, 114.36 (3-ArC), 68.64 (CH₂ OH), 64.81 (ArOCH₂), 39.50, 26.27, 25.66, 17.67, and 16.62; IR (film) 3360 (br, OH), 2970, 2920, 1605, 1510, 1325, 1305, 1245, 1175, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 431 (MH⁺), 413 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (5p): scale=2.37 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.40-7.55 (m, 4 H, 2-ArH), 6.66 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.65 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.57 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.33 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.43 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, CH₂ OH), 3.90 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 3.46 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 1.69-1.79 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ O), 1.55-1.63 (m, 3H, CH₂ CH₂ O and OH), 1.24-1.45 (m, 28 H, 14×CH₂), 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ148.47, 148.32, 140.22, 137.68, 132.69, 131.50 (q, J² _(c),f =38 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.31, 128.40, 128.27, 125.73 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.07 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 122.65, 113.78, 113.00, 69.06 (CH₂ O), 68.69 (CH₂ O), 68.54 (CH₂ O), 31.91, 29.59, 29.57, 29.33, 29.18, 29.01, 25.97, 25.82, 22.69, and 14.11; IR (KBr) 3400 (br, OH), 2960, 2920, 2850, 1515, 1475, 1430, 1330, 1270, 1235, 1170, 1140, 1125, 1100, 1070, and 1020 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 590 (M⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propenol (5q): scale=3.0 mmol, obtained 1.14 g of a 2:1 mixture of target compound to impurity. Acetic anhydride (0.35 g, 3.5 mmol) and 4,4-dimethylaminopyridine (10 mg) were added to a stirred solution of the mixture (1.12 g) in pyridine (11.6 mL), and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The solution was diluted with diethyl ether and poured into 1N HCl solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to yield 1.14 g of a pale yellow oil. Purification was accomplished by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; gradient elution with 3% to 15% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford 0.80 g (20:1 mixture of Z:E isomers) of the acetate. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.62 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.54-7.58 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.37-7.40 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.90 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.94 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAc), 2.05 (s, 3H, COCH₃), 1.72 (s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.33 (br s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.72 (C=O), 145.04, 144.74, 139.17, 134.37, 132.70, 132.03, 131.81, 131.54, 131.01, 129.11, 128.70, 126.70, 125.56, 125.08, 124.64, 124.45, 69.28 (CH₂ OAc), 34.99 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.59, 34.52, 32.44 (4×CH₃), and 20.95 (COCH₃); IR (KBr) 2960, 2950, 2925, 1735 (C=O), 1325, 1255, 1230, 1160, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 481 (MH⁺), 480 (M⁺), 421 (M⁺ --OAc). The acetate (0.77 g, 1.66 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (8.3 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (8.3 mL) and the stirred solution was treated with 2N NaOH (3.33 mL, 6.66 mmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 2.5 h. The solution was then allowed to cool to room temperature and was poured into saturated ammonium chloride solution and extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed sequentially with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to give 0.74 g of a clear colorless oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 10% to 15% ethyl acetate in hexanes) gave 0.69 g (56% overall yield from ester) of the propenol 5q as a pale yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.63 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.54-7.59 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.35-7.42 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.89 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.52 (br s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 1.72 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.34 (br s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ144.80, 144.67, 139.61, 139.21, 132.80, 132.46, 131.62, 131.30, 130.89, 129.16, 128.82, 128.36, 126.66, 125.75, 125.50 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.01, 124.64, 124.36 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 122.22, 68.52 (CH₂ OH), 35.01 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.58, 34.53, and 32.45 (4×CH₃); IR (film) 3320 (br, OH), 2960, 2930, 1325, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 439 (MH⁺ ), 421 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (5r): scale=1.84 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.50 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.37-7.42 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 5-ArH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.83 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.84 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.29 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6 H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 15 144.68, 142.48, 139.56, 139.30, 138.08, 132.03, 130.50 (q, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.82, 128.71, 126.45, 125.69, 125.27 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.91 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 67.88 (OCH₂), 35.54, 35.14, 35.09, 34.13, 33.93, 31.87, 31.81, and 30.74; IR (film) 3320 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1460, 1365, 1325, 1310, 1165, 1130, 1110, 1070, 805, and 705 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 399 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (5s): scale=2.91 mmol, yield=68%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.92-6.99 (m, 5H, 4×2-ArH and 1×5-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.76 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.25 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.59 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.36 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H, OH), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2× CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 15 161.90 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 2-ArC), 144.62, 144.40, 139.82, 138.28, 134.16, 130.16 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 2-ArC), 128.70, 126.49, 126.30, 125.78, 115.12 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 2-ArC), 68.12 (CH₂ OH), 35.58, 35.15, 35.10, 34.13, 33.94, 31.90, 31.85, and 30.45; IR (film) 3300 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1600, 1510, 1455, 1385, 1360, 1220, and 835 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 349 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (5t): scale=4.16 mmol, yield=65%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.16-7.28 (m, 2H, 1×2-ArH and 1×5-ArH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 5-ArH), 6.94 (apparent tt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.79-6.86 (m, 2H, 1×5-ArH and 1×2-ArH), 6.71 (apparent dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 5.78 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.26 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.40 (t, J= 5 Hz, 1H, OH), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ162.64 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 2-ArC), 144.66, 142.45, 140.67 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 2-ArC), 139.73, 138.21, 129.69 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.13, 126.48, 126.41, 125.76, 124.29 (d, J⁴ _(c),f =5 Hz, 2-ArC), 115.52 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 2-ArC), 113.98 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 2-ArC), 67.92 (CH₂ OH), 35.55, 35.15, 35.10, 34.15, 33.95, 31.89, 31.84, and 30.48; IR (film) 3300 (br, OH), 3020, 2960, 2925, 2860, 1610, 1580, 1490, 1460, 1435, 1410, 1385, 1360, 1260, 1235, 1220, 1190, 1090, 1070, 1005, 890, 825, 785, 760, 720, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 349 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-Phenyl-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (5u): scale=1.10 mmol, yield=74%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.23-7.32 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.00-7.07 (m, 3H, 1×5-ArH and 2×2-ArH), 6.84 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.76 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.29 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.66 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.44 (br s, 1H, OH), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2 ×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ144.57, 142.31, 140.77, 138.44, 138.33, 128.56, 128.26, 128.19, 127.10, 126.47, 126.36, 125.76, 68.10 (CH₂ OH), 35.70, 35.18, 35.12, 34.15, 33.93, 31.91, 31.86, and 30.43; IR (film) 3340 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1495, 1455, 1440, 1385, 1360, 1090, 1070, 1025, 1000, 825, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 331 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5v): scale=1.4 mmol, yield=81%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.34 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.23 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.90 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.73 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.50 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.82 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.71 (s, 1H, ArOH), 4.30 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.07 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.44 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ152.63, 139.56, 139.30, 136.15, 133.13, 132.08, 130.63 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.89, 128.72, 127.18, 126.32, 125.26 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.92 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 116.61, 67.92 (CH₂ OH), 40.55 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.05 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.58 (adamantyl quaternary), 35.27, 30.76, and 29.02 (adamantyl CH); IR (KBr)3430 (OH),3250 (br, OH), 2900, 1325, 1170, 1160, 1125, 1075, and 990 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 456 (M⁺), 455 (M--H)⁺, 241, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₁ F.sub. 3 O₂ : C, 73.66; H, 6.84. Found: C, 73.86; H, 6.87.

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5w): obtained from (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5v) via treatment with dimethyl sulfate (0.25 g, 2.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.19 g, 1.3 mmol) in refluxing acetone (10 mL) for 6 h. Scale=0.87 mmol, yield=78%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.24 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.92 (m, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.74 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-Art t), 5.84 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.30 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.61 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.42 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ157.13, 139.57, 139.36, 138.28, 132.82, 132.08, 130.62 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.91, 128.71, 126.82, 126.25, 125.91, 125.27 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.90 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 111.61, 67.92 (CH₂ OH), 55.04 (OCH₃), 40.60 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.13 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.86 (adamantyl quaternary), 35.31, 30.77, and 29.10 (adamantyl CH); IR (film) 3345 (br, OH), 2905, 2850, 1325, 1235, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 470 (M⁺), 469 (M--H)⁺, 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₃ F₃ O₂ : C, 74.02; H, 7.07. Found: C, 73.96; H, 7.05.

For (Z)-2-Phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (2.5:1, Z:E) (5×): obtained in three steps from (Z)-1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene, a by-product in the synthesis of 7j. The bis-silyl ether (0.700 g, 1.14 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of 3:1:1 acetic acid/THF/H₂ O, and stirred for 48 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo. A solution of the residue, 2-phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (2.5:1, Z:E), in THF (10 mL) was treated with a 1.1M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.44 mL, 1.59 mmol). This mixture was stirred for 30 min at rt and then quenched by the addition of saturated ammonium chloride solution (10 mL). This solution was partitioned between ether and water. The organic phase was separated, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 2-phenyl-5-[ 3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (2.5:1, Z:E): ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) a (Z-isomer) 7.25-7.34 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.09-7.12 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.91 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.75 (dd, J=8,2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.49 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.75 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.30 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (s, 6H, adamantyl); (E-isomer, partially obscured) 7.40 (m, 1H, 2-ArH) 6.97 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J= 2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1 H, 5-ArH), 5.91 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), and 2.71 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂); IR (KBr) 3520 (OH), 3345 (OH), 2900, 2850, 1240, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 389 (MH⁺), 388 (M⁺), 371,241, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺); Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₂ O₂.0.3 CH₃ CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ : C, 81.62; H, 8.36. Found: C, 81.62; H, 8.32. 2-Phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (2.5:1, Z:E, 0.600 g, 1.55 mmol) was treated with dimethylsulfate (0.195 g, 1.55 mmol) and powdered potassium carbonate (0.214 g, 1.55 mmol) in refluxing acetone for 18 h. The cooled reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (elution with methylene chloride followed by 5% methanol/methylene chloride) to give 385 mg (84% overall yield) of 5×as a 3:1 mixture of Z:E isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(Z-isomer) 7.37-7.22 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.12 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.95 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.88 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.77 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.78 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.31 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.02 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl); (E-isomer, partially obscured) 7.41 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 5.92 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), and 2.73 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5y): scale=1.8 mmol, yield=83%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.40 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.15 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.06 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.60 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.36 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.80 (m, 1H, C=CH), 5.00 (s, 1H, ArOH), 4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.56 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (br s, 9 H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ154.34, 139.88, 139.58, 139.23, 134.18, 132.09, 130.62 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.59, 128.76, 126.87, 125.26 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.09 (q, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 123.97 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 2-ArC), 120.63, 116.92, 67.79 (CH₂ OH), 40.62 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.05 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.38 (adamantyl quaternary), 34.85, 30.11, and 29.03 (adamantyl CH); IR (film) 3500 (OH), 3280 (br, OH), 2910, 2870, 2850, 1420, 1320, 1310, 1165, 1125, 1085, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 455 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₁ F₃ O₂ : C, 73.66; H, 6.84. Found: C, 73.58; H, 6.84.

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5z): obtained from (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl[-2-pentenol (5y) via treatment with dimethyl sulfate (0.25 g, 2.0 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.19 g, 1.3 mmol) in refluxing acetone (10 mL) for 56 h. Scale=1.3 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.40 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.63 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 5-ArH), 5.84 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.29 (d, J=1 Hz, 2 H, CH₂ OH), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.63 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.47 (br s, 1H, OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.72, 139.85, 139.72, 139.30, 136.26, 132.08, 130.61 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.62, 128.73, 126.31, 125.29 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.10 (q, J¹ _(c),f =271Hz, CF₃), 123.93 (d, J³ _(c),f =4Hz, 2-ArC), 120.29, 111.94, 67.83 (CH₂ OH), 54.85 (OCH₃), 40.65 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.14 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.66 (adamantyl quaternary), 35.48, 33.31, and 29.10 (adamantyl CH); IR (film) 3355 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1325, 1250, 1165, 1130, 1100, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 470 (M⁺), 469 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₄ F₃ O₂ (MH⁺) 471.2511. Found: 471.2496. Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₃ F₃ O₂ 0.1 CH₂ Cl₂ : C, 72.96; H, 6.99. Found: C, 72.88; H, 7.10.

For (Z)-2-Phenyl-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5aa): scale=3.82 mmol, yield=91%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.20-7.33 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.03-7.07 (m, 3H, 2×2-ArH and 1×5-ArH), 6.64 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.75 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.29 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.30 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.03-2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.68, 140.92, 140.22, 138.33, 136.10, 128.59, 128.26, 128.01, 127.11, 126.20, 120.32, 112.01, 68.06 (CH₂ OH), 54.89 (OCH₃), 40.68, 37.14, 36.65, 35.62, 30.27, and 29.11; IR (film) 3350 (br, OH), 2904, 2848, 1610, 1494, 1452, 1412, 1246, 1162, 1138, 1102, 1090, 1042, 1026, 1002, 808, 760, and 702 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 402 (M⁺), 385 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (Sbb): scale=0.48 mmol, yield=88%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.52 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.43 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.33 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.93 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H 5-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=3, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.90 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.34 (m, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.90 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.02 (br s, 3H, adamantyl), 1.92 (m, 6H, adamantyl), 1.73 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.51 (br s, 1H, OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ157.52, 148.97, 139.52, 139.33, 132.67, 132.08, 130.75 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.59, 128.78, 125.17 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.03 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 113.02, 109.90, 67.83 (CH₂ OH), 55.08 (OCH₃), 42.07 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.85 (adamantyl quaternary), 36.77 (adamantyl CH₂), 33.66, 32.35, and 29.10 (adamantyl CH); IR (film) 3390 (br, OH), 2910, 2850, 1325, 1165, 1125, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 471 (MH⁺), 470 (M⁺), 469 (M--H)⁺, 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-[-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-propenol (5cc): scale=2.48 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.55 (m, 2H, 2-Arid), 7.45 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.69 (s, 1 H, C=CH), 6.61 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.32 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.44 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.34 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 1.98 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.69 (m, 7H, 6×adamantyl and OH); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.22, 140.17, 139.08, 138.14, 134.07, 132.56, 131.23 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.36, 127.99, 126.29, 125.75 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.16 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 122.11, 68.60 (CH₂ OH), 54.25 (OCH₃), 40.42 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.06 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.83 (adamantyl quaternary), and 29.01 (adamantyl CH); IR (KBr) 3385 (br, OH), 2905, 2850, 1325, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 443 (MH⁺), 442 (M⁺), 441 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₂₉ F₃ O₂.0.3CH₃ CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ : C, 72.23; H, 6.75. Found: C, 72.37; H, 6.59.

For (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-t-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (5dd): scale=6.7 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.40 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.19 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.61 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.48 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.83 (m, 1H, C=CH), 4.29 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.56 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.23 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.43 (m, 1H, OH), 0.99 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.26 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ154.50, 139.76, 139.43, 139.28, 137.17, 132.07, 130.88, 129.50, 128.75, 126.88, 125.24 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 23.97 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 120.38, 119.15, 67.85 (CH₂ OH), 40.46 (adamantyl CH₂), 37.07 (adamantyl CH₂), 36.52 (adamantyl quaternary), 35.16), 30.32, 29.04 (adamantyl CH), 26.39 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.90 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and - 3.42 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 3320 (br, OH), 2930, 2905, 2850, 1325, 1265, 1255, 1165, 1130, 855, and 835 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 571 (MH⁺), 570 (M⁺), 569 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₃₄ H₄₅ F₃ O₂ Si (M⁺): 570.3141. Found570.3122.

Example 5: General Procedure for Synthesis of 6

A solution of alcohol 5 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous methylene chloride (0.1-0.2M) was cooled to -10° to 0° C. under argon. The solution was treated with t-butyldimethylchlorosilane (1.3 equivalents) in one portion, followed by addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.05 equivalents). Triethylamine (1.4 equivalents) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0°-25° C. for 2-5 h. The mixture was then partitioned between diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with hexanes to 2% to 4% ethyl acetate in hexanes) afforded the desired product.

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-Phenyl-2-propene (6a): scale=2.62 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.06-7.24 (m, 5H, ArH), 6.95-6.98 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.70 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.37 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 0.92 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.07 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ139.87, 136.30, 131.58, 130.35, 130.14, 129.17, 128.01, 127.72, 126.78, 125.87, 122.52, 67.80 (CH₂ O), 29.71 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and -5.34 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2885, 2855, 1560, 1472, 1250, 1125, 1075, 1005, 880, 840, 780, 750, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 401/403 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-propene (6b): scale=5.41 mmol, yield=98%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.42 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.09-7.24 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.85 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.83 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.63 (s, 1H, C=CH), 4.38 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 1.60 (br s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 0.98 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), 0.95 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.07 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propene (6c): scale=2.3 mmol, yield=97%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.61 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.37-7.60 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.08-7.15 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.83-6.87 (m, 2H, ArH and C=CH), 4.22 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 1.73 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27-1.30 (m, 12H, 4×CH₃), 0.95 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.10 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ153.16, 144.42, 141.47, 139.34, 133.13, 131.68, 131.62, 130.71, 131.36, 130.08, 128.02, 126.44, 126.38, 126.10, 124.95, 124.58, 122.51, 67.86 (CH₂ OSi), 35.07 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.55, 34.53, 32.48 (4×CH₃), 29.72, 25.95 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.46 (SiC(CH₃)₃) and -5.29 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2860, 1470, 1360, 1255, 1125, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 563/561 (MH⁺, 1:1), 433/431 (MH⁺ --OTBDMS, 1:1).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (6d): scale=5.70 mmol, yield=97%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.35-7.41 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.16 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.09 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.61-6.66 (m, 3H, 2×3-ArH and C=CH), 4.34 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.71 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.42 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), 0.91 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃) and 0.06 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.02, 141.74, 137.65, 131.69, 130.35, 130.19, 130.17, 128.62, 127.83, 125.61, 122.54, 114.00, 68.08 (CH₂ OSi), 67.88 (ArOCH₂), 31.89, 29.72, 29.56, 29.38, 29.32, 29.23, 26.02, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 22.69, 18.43 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.13, and -5.40 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2855, 1605, 1560, 1510, 1470, 1300, 1250, 1180, 1130, 1110, 1070, 1025, 1005, 885, 840, 780, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 559/561 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (6e): scale=1.6 mmol, yield=100%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.37-7.40 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.21 (t, J=9 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.11 (dt, J=1, 9 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.66 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.59 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH⁶), 6.58 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.34 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.90 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.53 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.75 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.61 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.11-1.40 (m, 28H, 14'CH₂), 0.83-0.92 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃), 0.91 (s, 9H, SiC(C₃)₃), and 0.05 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ148.24 (3-ArC), 148.11 (3-ArC), 142.01, 137.80, 131.92, 130.19, 130.12, 129.07, 127.85, 125.86, 122.51, 113.90, 113.04, 69.09, 68.61, 68.16, 31.93, 31.91, 29.65, 29.60, 29.57, 29.37, 29.22, 29.05, 25.98, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 22.69, 18.43 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.12, and -5.35 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2925, 2855, 1515, 1470, 1270, 1260, 1240, 1140, 1085, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 717/715 (MH⁺, 1:1).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentene (6f): scale=1.57 mmol, yield=98%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07-7.27 (m, 7H, 3×2-ArH and 4×5-ArH), 6.98 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.75 (tt, J=1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.25 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.65 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 0.87 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.00 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ141.43, 141.01, 139.35, 131.47, 129.77, 129.42, 128.15, 127.29, 126.51, 125.72, 121.94, 67.09 (CH.sub. 2 OSi), 35.82, 30.16, 25.77 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.27 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and -5.52 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 3085, 3060, 3025, 3030, 2955, 2930, 2895, 2855, 1590, 1560, 1495, 1470, 1460, 1455, 1360, 1255, 1125, 1090, 1070, 1050, 1005,840, 815, 775, 750, 700, and 675 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 429/431 (M⁺, 1:1), 373/375 (M⁺ --t-Bu).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentene (6g): scale=2.4 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.35 (ddd, J=1, 2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.23 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2 -ArH), 7.13 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.84-6.91 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 5.77 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.22 (d, J=1H, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.60 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (s, 4 H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 0.87 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.00 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ144.58, 142.27, 141.22, 139.19, 138.43, 131.63, 129.84, 129.55, 127.44, 127.13, 126.45, 126.37, 125.80, 122.03, 67.27 (CH₂ OSi), 35.70, 35.21, 35.14, 34.15, 33.94, 31.93, 31.87, 30.32, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 18.39 (SiC(CH₃)₃); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2855 1470, 1460, 1125, 840, and 775 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 539/541 (M--H)⁺, 1:1). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₄₅ OSiBr: C, 68.74; H, 8.37. Found: C, 69.02; H, 8.34.

For (2Z),(4E)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadiene (6h): scale=3.20 mmol, yield=92%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39-7.43 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.19-7.28 (m, 4H, 2×2-ArH and 2×5-ArH), 7.09 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.80 (dt, J=1.5, 12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.45 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.46 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.20 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C--CCH₃), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃), 0.93 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.09 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2860, 1555, 1495, 1470, 1460, 1405, 1390, 1360, 1255, 1215, 1190, 1125, 1070, 1050, 1030, 885, 840, 780, 700, and 680 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 552/554 (M⁺, 1:1), 421/423 (M⁺ --OSi[C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentene (6i): scale - 4.36 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.33-7.36 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.18 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.12 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.88 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.56 (d, J=1 Hz, 1 H, 3-ArH), 5.75 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.20 (br s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.60 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.24 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl), 0.86 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and -0.10 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂ ; ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ158.66, 141.72, 140.19, 139.33, 136.04, 131.63, 129.85, 129.54, 127.45, 126.88, 126.24, 122.00, 120.38, 112.03, 67.23 (CH₂ OSi), 54.89 (OCH₃), 37.16, 36.64, 35.63, 30.22, 29.12, 25.89 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.38 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and -5.39 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2950, 2930, 2905, 2850, 1470, 1460, 1455, 1410, 1250, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 595 (MH⁺), 465/463 (MH⁺ --OTBDMS, 1:1).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene (6j): scale=6.9 mmol, yield=80%, ca. 3:1 mixture of Z:E isomers. This compound was prepared using a modified procedure of Shreet, B. et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,720, January 1988. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(Z-isomer) 7.36 (dt, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.24 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.15 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.92-6.95 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.64 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.78 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.22 (d, J=1H, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.58 (t, J= 7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.22 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.01 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.88 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.31 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂), and 0.00 (s 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); (E-isomer) 7.55 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.31 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.14 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (d, ]=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.82 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.34 (s, 2 H, CH₂ OSi), 2.68 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.52 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.12 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.82 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.32 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂), and 0.01 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (6k): scale=1.52 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.37-7.41 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.10-7.24 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.67 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.59 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.58 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, C--CH), 6.41 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.35 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 3.53 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 1.71-1.78 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.57-1.65 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.27-1.41 (m, 8 H), 0.86-0.93 (m, 15 H, 2×CH₃ and Si(C(CH₃)₃) and 0.06 (Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ148.22, 148.09, 142.00, 137.80, 131.91, 130.21,130.12, 129.07, 127.86, 125.85, 122.51, 113.86, 113.00, 69.06 (3-ArOCH₂), 68.57 (3-ArOCH₂), 68.15 (CH₂ OSi), 29.70, 28.90, 28.71, 28.05, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 22.45, 22.40, 18.43 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.06, 14.03, and -5.35 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2860, 1590, 1560, 1515, 1470, 1430, 1390, 1270, 1240, 1170, 1140, 1085, 1070, 1050, 1030, 1005, 890, 840, 810, 780, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 575/577 (MH⁺, 1:1), 43/445 (M⁺ --OSi[C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

Example 6: General Procedure for Synthesis of 7

Procedure A: A solution of aryl bromide 6 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (0.1-0.15M) was cooled to -78° C. under argon and treated with t-butyllithium solution (1.4-1.8M in pentane, 2.1 equivalents). The pale yellow reaction mixture was stirred at -78° C. for 30 min, and then added via cannula to a pre-cooled solution of ethyl chloroformate (1.5-3 equivalents) in anhydrous THF at -78° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, and then was poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 1% to 2% ethyl acetate in hexanes) gave the desired product.

Procedure B: A solution of aryl bromide 6 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (0.1M) was cooled to -78° C. under argon and treated with t-butyllithium solution (1.4-1.8M in pentane, 2 equivalents). The pale yellow reaction mixture was stirred at -78° C. for 30 min, and then treated with anhydrous dimethylformamide (2 equivalents). The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, and then was poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude aldehyde (1 equivalent) was dissolved in methanol (0.1M solution) and treated with sodium cyanide (5.4 equivalents), acetic acid (a few drops), and manganese dioxide (5:1 weight ratio of MnO₂ /crude aldehyde). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2-14 h and then diluted with methylene chloride and filtered through a one-inch pad of Celite. The filtrate was washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (20-40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 1% to 2% ethyl acetate in hexanes) gave the desired product.

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-2-propene (7a): via procedure A, scale=2.48 mmol, yield=46%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.93-7.96 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.90 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.30-7.36 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.04-7.10 (m, 3H, 3-ArH), 6.92-6.95 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.73 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.41 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 0.91 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.07 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂ ; ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 166.50 (C=O), 140.44, 139.41, 136.46, 133.73, 130.84, 129.70, 129.17, 128.62, 128.49, 127.97, 126.66, 125.81, 67.89 (CH₂ OSi), 61.02 (CO₂ CH₂), 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.42 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.30 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃) and -5.34 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2895, 2855, 1720 (C=O), 1470, 1465, 1370, 1265, 1195, 1125, 1110, 1080, 1020, 880, 840, 780, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 395 (M--H⁺).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-propene (7b): via procedure A, scale=4.77 mmol, yield=73 %; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.97 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.38 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.75-6.83 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.64 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 4.42 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.33 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.54 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.34 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.19 (s, 3H, CH₃), 1.18 (s, 3H, CH₃), 0.98 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 0.95 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.06 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 166.54 (C=O), 144.20, 143.57, 140.00, 139.30, 133.79, 133.26, 130.87, 129.94, 128.67, 128.34, 127.30, 126.67, 126.16, 126.10, 68.28 (CH₂ OSi), 60.94 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.96, 33.98, 33.86, 31.67, 31.42, 27.93, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.42 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.31 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃) and -5.33 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1470, 1460, 1280, 1260, 1195, 840, and 775 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 506 (M⁺).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-Propene (7c): via procedure A, scale=2.21 mmol, yield=43%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.98 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.58 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.45 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.27-7.36 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.88 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.47 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.72 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.29-1.38 (m, 15H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 0.94 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.10 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.58 (C=O), 144.38, 144.32, 139.95, 139.51,134.07, 133.29, 131.66, 130.80, 130.64, 129.67, 128.56, 128.52, 127.93, 126.42, 126.31, 126.18, 124.92, 124.55, 67.95 (CH₂ OSi), 61.02 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.05, 34.51, 32.46, 25.95 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.45 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 14.28; IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1470, 1460, 1365, 1265, 1190, 1125, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 556 (MH⁺), 425 (MH⁺ --OTBDMS).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (7d): scale=2.11 mmol, yield=89%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.92-8.01 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.34-7.44 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.87 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.60-6.67 (m, 3H, 2×3-ArH and C=CH), 4.41 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.92 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.72 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.42 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), 0.92 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃ and 0.08 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃ )₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.92 (C=O), 157.78, 139.75, 138.05, 134.33, 133.89, 131.38, 130.84, 130.33, 130.20, 129.71, 128.56, 128.26, 125.40, 113.95, 68.01 (CH₂ OSi), 67.72 (ArOCH₂), 52.00 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.75, 29.42, 29.24, 29.18, 29.09, 25.88, 25.78 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 25.58, 22.55, 18.29 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.00, and -4.72 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2950, 2930, 2855, 1730 (C=O), 1605, 1510, 1470, 1440, 1390, 1360, 1290, 1250, 1200, 1175, 1110, 1005, 985, 840, 780, 755, 730, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 538 (M⁺).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (7e): via procedure A, scale=1.29 mmol, yield=44%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.92-7.96 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.37 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1 It, 3-ArH), 6.57 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.55 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.38 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.39 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.34 (q, J=6 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.89 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.48 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.73 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC.sup. 4 OCH₂ CH₂), 1.54-1.59 (m, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.36 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.19-1.38 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), 0.83-0.90 (m, 15H, 2×CH₃ and SiC(CH₃)₃) and 0.06 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.42 (C=O), 148.15 (3-ArC), 148.00 (3-ArC), 140.01, 138.39, 133.93, 130.90, 129.97, 129.22, 128.63, 128.30, 125.81, 122.40, 114.06, 112.99, 69.04, 68.57, 68.25, 61.00 (CH₂ OSi), 31.90, 29.60, 29.40, 29.36, 29.22, 29.01, 25.98, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 25.85, 24.14, 24.03, 22.68, 18.42 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.30, 14.12, and -5.34 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2925, 2855, 1720 (C=O), 1515, 1470, 1265, 1240, 1140, 1085, and 1020 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 709 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentene (7f): via procedure A, scale=1.51 mmol, yield=52%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.82 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.34 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.08-7.26 (m, 6H, 1×2-ArH and 5×5-ArH), 5.80 (tt, J=1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.38 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 4.28 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2 H, CH₂ OSi), 2.67 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.40 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH.sub. 3), 0.88 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.02 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.50 (C=O), 141.53, 139.75, 139.09, 133.17, 130.21, 129.60, 128.36, 128.10, 127.95, 126.51, 125.66, 67.21 (CH₂ OSi), 60.83 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.87, 30.17, 25.78 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.26 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.22 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and -5.52 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 3085, 3065, 3030, 2955, 2930, 2895, 2855, 1720 (C=O), 1470, 1460, 1455, 1365, 1270, 1170, 1125, 1110, 1085, 1050, 1030, 840, 815, 775, 755, 700, and 675 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 425 (MH⁺), 293 (M⁺ --OSi[(C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentene (7g): scale=1.40 mmol, yield=100%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.92 (dt, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.85 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.33 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.12-7.17 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.84 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.81 (br t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 4.28 (d, J=1 Hz, 2H, CH2OSi), 2.60 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.24 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.38 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 122 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), 0.87 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.00 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.64 (C=O), 144.56, 142.23, 139.63, 139.28, 138.54, 133.35, 130.28, 129.75, 128.04, 127.06, 126.40, 126.33, 125.76, 67.39 (CH₂ OSi), 60.94 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.74, 35.20, 35.13, 34.13, 33.92, 31.91, 31.85, 30.34, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.39 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.35 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and -5.36 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1270, 1120, 1110, and 840 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 534 (M⁺), 533 (M--H)⁺. Anal. Calcd for C₃₄ H₅₀ O₃ Si: C, 76.35; H, 9.42. Found: C, 76.78; H, 9.40.

For (2Z),(4E)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadiene (7h): via procedure A, scale=2.04 mmol, yield=34%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.95 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.94 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.45 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.22 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.15 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.04 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.80 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.37 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.46 (s, 2H, CH2OSi), 4.35 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.20 (s, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.62 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.36 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 119 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 0.91 (s, 9H, Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.07 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.56 (C=O), 144.48, 143.88, 140.48, 140.42, 139.07, 137.49, 133.76, 130.42, 129.92, 128.35, 128.11, 126.31, 123.77, 123.06, 123.00, 122.60, 67.14 (CH₂ OSi), 60.98 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.12, 35.00, 34.24, 34.04, 31.74, 25.90 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 18.36 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 16.00 (C=CCH₃), 14.32 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and -5.32 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1470, 1460, 1390, 1365, 1260, 1215, 1110, 1085,840, 780, and 755 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 546 (M⁺), 415 (M⁺ --OSi[(C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentene (7i): via procedure B, scale=3.81 mmol, yield=25%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.91 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.83 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.31 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH 7.14 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.04 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.63 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 5.79 (br t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.26 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.60 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.24 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl), 0.86 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and -0.01 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ137.11 (C=O), 158.64, 140.29, 139.67, 139.30, 136.01, 133.50, 129.92, 129.78, 128.08, 126.87, 126.20, 120.34, 112.00, 67.32 (CH₂ OSi), 54.86 (OCH₃), 52.09 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.67, 37.15, 36.62, 35.65, 30.20, 29.11, 25.88 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 18.38 (SiC(CH₃)₃); IR (film) 2950, 2930, 2905, 2850, 1725 (C=O), 1460, 1455, 1440, 1410, 1280, 1260, 1160, and 1120 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 575 (MH⁺), 574 (M⁺), 573 (M--H)⁺, and 443 (MH⁺ --OSi[(C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene (7j): via procedure A, scale=3.6 mmol. Column chromatography on silica gel afforded 1.6 g of a ca. 1:1 mixture of 7j (3:1, Z:E) and 1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene (3:1, Z:E). Separate fractions were pooled and concentrated to give 0.800 g (36%) of the latter compound, 1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene (3:1, Z:E): ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(Z-isomer) 7.20-7.32 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.04-7.07 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.94 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.66 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.77 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.28 (d, J=1H, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.03 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)3), 0.89 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.32 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂), and 0.02 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)2); (E-isomer, partially obscured) 7.40 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.90 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.41 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 2.69 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 1.04 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.84 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), 0.34 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂), and 0.02 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2905, 2855, 1490, 1255, and 840 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 617 (MH⁺), 616 (M⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₉ H₆₀ O₂ Si₂ : C, 75.91; H, 9.80. Found: C, 75.62; H, 9.77.

For (Z)-1-(t-Butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2-propene (7k): via procedure B, scale=1.33 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.91-7.95 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.38 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.62 (br s, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.56 (dd, ]=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.37 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.35 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.89 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.47 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.70-1.79 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.55-1.60 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.24-1.41 (m, 8 H, 2×CH₂), 0.85-0.91 (m, 15H, 2×CH₃ and Si(C(CH₃)₃), and 0.05 (Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.89 (C=O), 148.15, 148.00, 140.09, 138.34, 134.08, 130.57, 130.01, 129.20, 128.69, 128.33, 125.81, 122.42, 114.03, 112.97, 69.01 (ArOCH₂), 68.53 (CH₂ OSi), 68.19 (ArOCH₂), 52.11 (CO₂ CH₃), 28.89, 28.66, 28.15, 28.01, 25.91 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 22.44, 22.36, 18.42 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 14.02 and -5.34 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2955, 2930, 2860, 1725 (C=O), 1515, 1470, 1435, 1265, 1205, 1170, 1140, 1080, 1050, 1005, 840, and 780 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 554 (MH⁺), 423 (M⁺ --OSi[C(CH₃)₃ ](CH₃)₂).

Example 7: General Procedure for Synthesis of 8

Ester 7 was dissolved in a mixture of acetic acid/tetrahydrofuran/water (3:2:1, 0.03M) and stirred at room temperature for 12-40 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography (20:1 to 30:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 10% to 20% ethyl acetate in hexanes).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-2-propenol (8a): scale=1.09 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.93-7.98 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.34-7.38 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.07-7.10 (m, 3H, 3-ArH), 6.93-6.98 (m, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.73 (s, 1H, C=CH), 4.47 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 4.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.73 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H, OH, exch), and 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.42 (C=O), 140.45, 138.90, 136.03, 133.74, 131.06, 129.55, 129.22, 128.83, 128.73, 128.07, 127.42, 127.04, 68.37 (CH₂ OH), 61.09 (CO₂ CH₂), and 14.30 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3400 (br, OH), 2980, 1720, 1370, 1265, 1195, 1110, 1090, 1022, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 282 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-propenol (Sb): scale=3.35 mmol, yield=91%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.99 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.37-7.44 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.86 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.65 (s, 1H, C=CH), 4.45 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 4.33 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.51-1.59 (m, 5H, CH₂ CH₂ and OH, exch), 1.32 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.17 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 0.93 (s, 6H, 2× CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.42 (C=O), 144.35, 144.05, 139.47, 139.26, 133.71, 132.83, 131.13, 129.76, 128.92, 128.58, 127.76, 127.47, 126.63, 126.28, 68.78 (CH₂ OH), 61.02 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.92, 34.03, 33.88, 31.65, 31.44, 27.92, and 14.32 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3100-3400 (br, OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1460, 1365, 1285, 1265, 1200, 1110, 1085, 755, and 750 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 392 (M⁺), 375 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propenol (8c): scale=0.95 mmol, yield=97%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.95-7.99 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.59 (d, J=12 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.29-7.40 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.88 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.82 (dd, J=1, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.53 (dd, J=1, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 4.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.72 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.31-1.36 (m, 15 H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.47 (C=O), 144.62, 144.55, 139.96, 138.98, 134.08, 132.84, 131.64, 131.08, 130.81, 129.53, 128.76, 128.22, 128.08, 126.58, 125.98, 124.98, 124.56, 68.52 (CH₂ OH), 61.07 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.04 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.56, 34.52, 32.46 (4×CH₃), and 14.27 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (KBr) 3400 (br, OH), 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1465, 1385, 1365, 1270, 1210, 1190, 1110, 1085, and 1020 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 443 (MH⁺), 425 (MH⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (8d): scale=1.86 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.96-8.00 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.34-7.43 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.67 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 4.46 (br s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.86 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.72 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.45 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.96 (C=O), 158.22, 139.39, 138.19, 133.98, 130.78, 130.45, 129.69, 128.92, 128.64, 128.25, 127.39, 114.05, 68.74 (CH₂ OH), 67.88 (ArOCH₂), 52.19 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.89, 29.56, 29.37, 29.31, 29.21, 26.01, 22.69, and 14.14; IR (film) 3400 (br, OH), 2925, 2855, 1725 (C=O), 1605, 1510, 1470, 1440, 1390, 1290, 1270, 1250, 1200, 1180, 1110, 1090, 1020, 980, 885, 825, 755, 710, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 424 (M⁺), 407 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (8e): scale=0.53 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.97 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.33-7.43 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.62 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.56 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.44 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 4.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.89 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.49 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.74 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.55-1.61 (m, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.36 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.21-1.38 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.32 (C=O), 148.32 (3-ArC), 148.20 (3-ArC), 139.50, 138.32, 133.87, 131.17, 129.79, 128.87, 128.68, 128.54, 127.54, 122.53, 114.06, 112.93, 69.01, 68.76, 68.61, 61.07 (CO₂ CH₂), 31.91, 29.60, 29.34, 29.19, 28.99, 25.97, 25.85, 22.68, 14.30, and 14.12; IR (KBr) 3500 (br, OH), 2960, 2920, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1705 (C=O), 1515, 1295, 1265, 1235, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 595 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentenol (8f): scale=0.78 mmol, yield=99%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.95 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.83 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH 7.07-7.27 (m, 6H, 1×2-ArH and 5×5-ArH), 5.81 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.37 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 4.28 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.67 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.31 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl.sub. 3) δ166.40 (C=O), 141.27, 140.12, 138.53, 133.01, 130.48, 129.43, 128.57, 128.31, 128.24, 128.17, 125.78, 67.73 (CH₂ OH), 60.93 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.73, 30.26, and 14.22 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3420 (br, OH), 3085, 3060, 3025, 2980, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1495, 1455, 1390, 1370, 1280, 1225, 1170, 1110, 1085, 1020, 1000, 755, 700, and 675 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 311 (MH⁺), 293 (M⁺ --OH).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol (8g): scale=1.3 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.88 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.36 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.15-7.28 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 7.00 (s, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.84 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.83 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.32-4.40 (m, 4H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ and CH₂ OH), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=7 Hz, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.38 (t, J= 7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.54 (C=O), 144.63, 142.38, 139.99, 138.76, 138.31, 133.20, 130.55, 129.58, 129.35, 129.08, 128.33, 126.42, 125.72, 67.85 (CH₂ OH), 61.03 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 35.66, 35.18, 35.12, 34.14, 33.94, 31.91, 31.86, 30.51, and 14.36 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3410 (OH), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1270, 1025, and 755 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 421 (MH⁺), 403, 201; Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₆ O₃ Na (MNa⁺): 443.2562. Found: 443.2544.

For (2Z),(4E)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadienol (8h): scale=0.64 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.04 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.99 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.52 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.44 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.25 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.20 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.10 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.80 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.37 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.46 (br d, J=6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 4.39 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.23 (s, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.65 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.25 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, OH), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (8i): scale=0.96 mmol, yield=98%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 7.93 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.86 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.37 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.19 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-(ArH), 7.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 5.81 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.30 (br s, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.00 (C=O), 158.66, 140.03, 138.74, 136.17, 133.31, 130.20, 129.64, 129.07, 128.40, 128.35, 126.25, 120.28, 111.95, 67.89 (CH₂ OH), 54.89 (OCH₃), 52.17 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.65, 37.13, 36.65, 35.52, 30.31, 29.70, and 29.08; IR (film) 3400 (br, OH), 2905, 2850, 1725 (C=O), 1450, 1440, 1410, 1285, 1270, 1245, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 461 (MH⁺), 460 (M⁺), 459 (M--H)⁺, and 443 (MH⁺ --H₂ O).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (8j). A ˜1:1 mixture of 7j (3:1, Z:E) and 1-(t-butyldimethylsiloxy)-2-phenyl-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentene (3:1, Z:E) (1.6 g) was dissolved in 30 mL of 3:1:1 acetic acid/THF/H₂ O, and stirred for 48 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (elution with methylene chloride to 5% methanol/methylene chloride) to give 0.490 g of pure (Z)-2-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (74% based on ca. 800 mg of 7j in the starting mixture): ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.96 (dt, J=8, 1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.89 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.22 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.91 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5- ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.82 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.23-4.40 (m, 4H, CH₂ OH and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 2.59 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.01 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃), and 0.31 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂). (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-t-butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl]-2-pentenol (490 mg) was converted in two steps to 8j via treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride and then alkylation with dimethyl sulfate as described in the synthesis of 5×. Purification of 8j by column chromatography on silica gel (elution with 30% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.150 g of pure 8j (37% for two steps): ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.96 (dt, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.89 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.28 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.89 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5- ArH), 6.76 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.83 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.33-4.42 (m, 4H, CH₂ OH and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.29 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.40 (t, J=8 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carbomethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2-propenol (8k): scale=1.08 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.97 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.44 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.64 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.63 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.57 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.39 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.35 (dd, J=1.5, 6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.90 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.87 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.48 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.70-1.79 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.63 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, OH), 1.55-1.65 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.22-1.44 (m, 8H, 4×CH₂), and 0.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.80 (C=O), 148.33, 148.20, 139.61, 138.28, 134.00, 130.82, 129.85, 128.92, 128.67, 128.57, 127.59, 122.57, 114.04, 112.93, 68.99, 68.74, 68.58, 52.17 (CO₂ CH₃), 28.88, 28.66, 28.15, 28.01, 22.44, 22.36, and 14.02; IR (film) 3430 (br, OH), 2955, 2935, 2870, 1725 (C=O), 1510, 1470, 1440, 1265, 1235, 1205, 1170, 1140, 1110, 1090, 1020, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 441 (MH⁺), 423 (M⁺ --OH).

Example 8: General Procedure for Synthesis of 9

Manganese dioxide (5:1 weight ratio MnO2/alcohol) was added in one portion to a solution of alcohol 8 in methylene chloride (0.1M). The reaction mixture was stirred in a stoppered flask at room temperature for 4-18 h. Additional MnO₂ was added if necessary to take the reaction to completion. The brown slurry was filtered through a one-inch pad of Celite and the collected solid was washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the aldehyde product was used without purification.

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-2-propenal (9a): scale=0.96 mmol, yield=85%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.80 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.07-8.11 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.88 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.15-7.50 (m, 8H, ArH), 4.35 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), and 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-propenal (9b): scale=2.13 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.78 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.09 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.92 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.55 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38-7.43 (m, 2H, ArH and C=CH), 7.20 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 7.12 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.97 (dd, ]=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.60 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 0.98 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propenal (9c): scale=0.89 mmol, yield=88%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.80 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.08 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.93 (t, ]=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.74 (s, 1H, ArH or C=H), 7.66 (s, 2H, ArH), 7.57 (s, 1H, ArH or C=CH), 7.36-7.49 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.92 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 4.33 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 1.73 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.31-1.41 (m, 15H, 4×CH₃ and OCH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.57 (CH= O), 166.32 (C=O), 151.49, 146.93, 145.45, 140.18, 134.18, 133.89, 132.32, 132.11, 131.33, 131.15, 130.79, 130.55, 129.51, 128.86, 127.35, 125.90, 125.33, 124.88, 61.09 (CO₂ CH₂), 34.88 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.78, 34.60, 32.43 and 32.39 (4×CH₃), and 14.28 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (KBr) 2960, 2930, 1720 (ester C=O), 1685 (CH=O), 1470, 1365, 1270, 1210, 1190, 1110, and 1090 cmA; MS (DCI) m/e 441 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (9d): scale=1.70 mmol, yield=80%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.72 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.08 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.91 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.51 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.12 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.72 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 3.92 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.75 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.46 (m, 14H, 7 ×CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (9e): scale=0.46 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.70 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.05 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 8.03 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.50 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.33 (s, 1H, C--CH), 6.87 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.33 (q, J=6 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.95 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.45 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.77 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.55-1.60 (m, 2 H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.35 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.19-1.40 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.88 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.45 (CH=O), 166.14 (C=O), 151.46, 151.17, 148.36, 139.63, 134.55, 134.15, 131.28, 130.79, 129.24, 129.00, 126.27, 126.01, 114.42, 112.32, 68.91, 68.57, 61.09 (CO₂ CH₂), 31.91, 29.57, 29.33, 28.98, 28.85, 25.91, 25.78, 22.68, 14.30, and 14.12; IR (KBr) 2960, 2920, 2875, 2850, 1715 (ester C=O), 1675 (CH=O), 1665, 1615, 1595, 1570, 1515, 1475, 1430, 1285, 1270, 1245, 1210, 1145, and 1120 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 593 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2-pentenal (9f): scale=0.76 mmol, yield=88%; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.62 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.04 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.80 (t, J=2 11z, 111, 2-Ar11), 7.45 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.11-7.31 (m, 6H, 1×2-ArH and 5×5-ArH), 6.79 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.40 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.85 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.68 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.40 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); MS (DCI) m/e 309 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenal (9g): scale=0.62 mmol, yield=100%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.62 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.01 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.82 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.09 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.03 (s, 1H, 5-ArH) 6.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.38 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.78 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.64 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH.sub. 2), 1.66 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃) 1.26 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (2Z),(4E)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-hexadienal (9h): scale=0.54 mmol, yield=89%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.72 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.02 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.94 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.79 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 7.48-7.59 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH) 7.27 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.17 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.74 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 2.43 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.66 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.36 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (9i): scale=0.93 mmol, yield=88%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 9.59 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.99 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.79 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.10 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.08 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.79 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.65 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.56 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 3.89 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.78 (t, J= 7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.64 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.08 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) 8 193.08 (CH=O), 166.76 (ester C=O), 158.88, 155.58, 143.64, 138.64, 136.75, 133.98, 132.77, 130.49, 130.22, 129.16, 128.34, 126.55, 120.23, 111.82, 54.91 (OCH₃),52.16 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.64, 37.50, 37.11, 36.72, 34.40, 31.38, and 29.09.

For (Z)-2-(3-Carboethoxyphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (9j): scale=0.32 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.61 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.02 (dt, J=8, 1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.81 (t, J=1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.44 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.19 (dt, J=8, 1 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.89-6.95 (m, 2H, 5-ArH and C=CH), 6.75-6.83 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 4.37 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.76 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.64 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-Carbomethoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (9k): scale=0.99 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.72 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.07 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.93 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.53 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.42 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.35 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.90 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.75 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.39 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 3.98 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 3.89 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.47 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂), 1.75-1.86 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.56-1.66 (m, 2H, 3-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.25-1.49 (m, 8 H), and 1.86-1.96 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ).

Example 9: General Procedure for Synthesis of 10

A solution of 18-crown-6 (5 equivalents) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (methoxycarbonylmethyl)phosphonate (1.1 equivalents) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was cooled to -78° C. under argon. A solution of potassium bistrimethylsilylamide (0.5M in toluene, 1.1 equivalents) was added, followed by addition of a solution of the aldehyde 9 (1 equivalent) in tetrahydrofuran (0.05M final concentration). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and then was poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated. The ether layer was washed further with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification was accomplished by column chromatography (30:1 to 40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to provide the target compound.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2,4-pentadienoate (10a): scale=0.82 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94 (dt, ]=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.86 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.30-7.37 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.08-7.11 (m, 3H, 5-ArH), 6.91-6.94 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.67 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.87 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.31 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), and 1.34 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.72 (C=O), 166.35 (C=O), 142.77, 138.38, 136.95, 135.77, 135.09, 134.24, 130.82, 130.47, 129.58, 128.72, 128.52, 128.10, 127.70, 120.58, 61.01 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.27 (CO₂ CH₃) and 14.28 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2980, 2950, 1720 (C=O), 1435, 1265, 1195, 1175, 1110, 1085, 1020, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 336 (M⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (10b): scale=1.05 mmol, yield=83%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 308 nm (ε=20,100), 228 nm (ε=22,700); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.94-7.98 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.90 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37-7.43 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.06 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.80 (s, 2H, 5-ArH and C=CH), 6.73 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.64 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.80 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.25 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.50-1.58 (m, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.33 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.17 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 0.92 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.90 (C=O), 166.38 (C=O), 145.04, 144.45, 142.72, 138.85, 136.23, 136.03, 134.26, 132.64, 130.88, 130.70, 128.67, 128.60, 127.81, 127.30, 126.39, 119.65, 60.95 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.24 (OCH₃), 34.88, 34.13, 33.89, 31.61, 31.38, and 14.31 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1460, 1440, 1280, 1265, 1195, 1170, 1110, 1085, and 755 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 447 (MH⁺), 415 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (10c): scale=0.76 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.96 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.91 (t, J=2H, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.58 (d, J=12 Hz,2H, ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.29-7.40 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.01 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.75 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.88 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.30 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.72 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.29-1.36 (m 15H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.89 (C=O), 166.41 (C=O), 145.12, 144.69, 142.97, 138.61, 136.51, 135.74, 134.51, 132.58, 131.54, 131.10, 130.82, 130.50, 129.22, 128.76, 128.49, 126.62, 125.82, 125.21, 124.62, 120.37, 61.01 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.28 (CO₂ CH₂), 35.00, 34.60, 34.52, 32.44, and 14.24 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1365, 1270, 1195, 1175, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 497 (MH⁺), 465 (MH⁺ -- CH₃ OH).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(4decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (10d): scale=1.37 mmol, yield=98%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.95 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.88 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.34-7.41 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.82 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.81 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.63 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.61 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 5-ArH), 5.79 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.26 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.70 (quintet, J= 7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.17-1.42 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.90 (C=O), 158.86, 142.94, 138.88, 135.64, 134.91, 134.48, 131.09, 130.58, 128.66, 128.00, 119.42, 114.11, 67.91 (ArOCH₂), 52.17 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.24 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.88, 29.54, 29.36, 29.31, 29.16, 25.98, 22.68, and 14.12; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1725 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1470, 1435, 1280, 1270, 1250, 1195, 1175, 1110, 1085, 1070, 1000, 825, 755, and 710 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 479 (MH⁺), 447 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (10e): scale=0.41 mmol, yield=86%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.90-7.96 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.38-7.48 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.79 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.56-6.65 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.32 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 4.78 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.33 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.90 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.45 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 3.25 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.74 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.54-1.60 (m, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.19-1.40 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.88 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.93 (C=O), 166.27 (C=O), 149.06, 148.17, 142.78, 135.03, 134.97, 134.45, 130.93, 130.75, 128.62, 128.54, 128.37, 123.68, 119.28, 114.05, 112.67, 68.93, 68.57, 61.03 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.22 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.91, 29.58, 29.37, 29.34, 29.13, 28.98, 25.95, 25.83, 22.68, 14.30, and 14.12; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1720 (C=O), 1510, 1470, 1265, 1200, 1170, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 649 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-2,4-heptadienoate (10f): scale=0.65 mmol, yield=77%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 262 nm (ε=10,600); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.89 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.70 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.04-7.22 (m, 6H, 1×4-ArH and 5×7-ArH), 6.60 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.06 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.74 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.35 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.14 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.68 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), and 1.38 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ168.68 (C=O), 167.89 (C=O), 142.98, 142.46, 139.60, 139.43, 139.33, 135.01, 131.44, 131.26, 129.47, 129.35, 129.30, 129.10, 127.02, 120.01, 62.21 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.61 (CO₂ CH₃), 36.37, 32.30, and 14.63 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 3060, 3025, 2980, 2950, 2855, 1720 (C=O), 1455, 1435, 1370, 1270, 1195, 1170, 1110, 1085, 1020, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 365 (MH⁺), 333 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (10g): scale=0.62 mmol, yield=85%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.92 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.85 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.15-7.24 (m, 2H, 4-ArH and 7-ArH), 7.00 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.84 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.21 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.35 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.38 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.80 (C=O), 166.47 (C=O), 144.71, 142.48, 142.26, 138.53, 138.20, 137.98, 137.28, 133.51, 130.29, 130.12, 128.21, 128.06, 126.46, 126.39, 125.64, 119.07, 61.01 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.09 (OCH₃), 35.22, 35.15, 35.09, 34.15, 33.94, 31.89, 31.84, 31.13, and 14.35 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2925, 1720 (C=O), 1270, and 1170 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 475 (MH⁺), 474 (M⁺); Exact mass spectrum (FAB) Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₈ O₄ Na: 497.2668 (MNa⁺). Found: 497.2652.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z),(6E)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4,6-octatrienoate (10h): scale=0.47 mmol, yield=74%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 348 nm (ε=14,300); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.95 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.91 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41-7.51 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.04-7.22 (m, 4H, 3×7-ArH and C=CH), 6.81 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.41 (br d, J=12Hz, 1H, C=CH),5.82(d,J=12Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂),4.35(q,J=7Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.15 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.25 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C= CCH₃), 1.63 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.35 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.16 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ168.50 (C=O), 167.90 (C=O), 145.89, 145.69, 143.19, 140.96, 140.17, 138.62, 135.27, 134.69, 132.02, 131.50, 129.44, 129.26, 127.62, 124.73, 124.09, 123.55, 120.03, 62.29 (CO₂ CH₂), 51.64 (OCH₃), 36.18, 36.09, 35.18, 35.04, 32.21, 32.08, 16.20 (C=CCH₃), and 14.62 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1460, 1440, 1365, 1265, 1205, 1170, 1110, 1085, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 487 (MH⁺), 455 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (10i): scale=0.81 mmol, yield=69%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.91 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.84 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.21 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.54-6.58 (m, 2H, 7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.05 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.89 (s, 3H, ArCO₂ CH₃), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.21 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.40 (C=O), 166.30 (C=O), 142.20, 139.71,138.19, 137.30, 136.27, 133.62, 130.16, 129.96, 128.23, 128.10, 126.31, 120.22, 119.17, 111.94, 54.89 (OCH₃),52.12 (ArCO₂ CH₃), 51.06 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.66, 37.13, 36.66, 35.12, 30.94, and 29.10.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (10j): scale=0.29 mmol, yield=76%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.92 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.83 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.25 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.91 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.87 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.06 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.20 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.34 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.03 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.38 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.83 (C=O), 166.50 (C=O), 157.13, 142.28, 138.67, 138.33, 138.22, 137.28, 133.55, 132.72, 130.28, 130.12, 128.18, 128.07, 126.72, 126.23, 119.01, 111.59, 61.02 (CO₂ CH₂),55.06, 51.09, 40.56, 37.13, 36.86, 35.01, 31.44, 29.10, and 14.34 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1495, 1270, and 1235 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 529 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₄ H₄₀ O₅ : C, 77.24; H, 7.63. Found: C, 77.55; H, 7.56.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (10k): scale=0.63 mmol, yield=85%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.91-7.96 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.36-7.45 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.79 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.56-6.66 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.31 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.78 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.89 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.87 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.44 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.25 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.70-1.80 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.54-1.60 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂ ), 1.25-1.43 (m, 8H, 4×CH₂), and 0.86-0.94 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.92 (C=O), 166.75 (C=O), 149.06, 148.16, 142.76, 139.05, 136.06, 134.93, 134.58, 130.81, 130.59, 128.67, 128.59, 128.34, 123.71, 119.30, 114.00, 112.65, 68.91 (ArOCH₂), 68.52 (ArOCH₂), 52.16 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.22 (CO₂ CH₃), 28.81, 28.64, 28.13, 27.99, 22.43, 22.35, and 14.02; IR (film) 2955, 2870, 1725 (C=O), 1595, 1510, 1470, 1435, 1265, 1200, 1170, 1140, 1110, and 1000 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 495 (MH⁺), 463 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

Example 10a: General Procedure for Synthesis of 11a-j

A mixture of ester 10 in methanol/tetrahydrofuran/2N sodium hydroxide solution (1:1:1, 0.1M) was heated at reflux for 1-4 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and 10% hydrochloric acid solution was added until the solution reached pH 1. The resulting cloudy mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 to 4 portions), and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was evaporated from pentane (3 portions) and then dried in vacuo.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11a): scale=2.05 mmol, yield=99%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 269 nm (ε=14,700), 222 nm (ε=23,500); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.90-7.95 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.86 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37-7.41 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.06-7.13 (m, 3H, 5-ArH), 6.95-6.98 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.90 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.71 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), and 5.92 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.12 (C=O), 169.54 (C=O), 143.47, 140.11, 138.83, 137.47, 135.51, 135.15, 132.14, 130.66, 129.91, 129.63, 129.09, 128.67, and 122.57; IR (film) 2200-3400 (br, CO₂ H), 1695 (C=O), 1625, 1600, 1580, 1435, 1305, 1275, 1250, 1230, 950, 910, 750, and 690 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 295 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₁₈ H₁₄ O₄ : C, 73.46; H, 4.79. Found: C, 73.40; H, 4.78.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11b): scale=1.35 mmol, yield=98%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 308 nm (ε=15,200), 228 nm (ε=21,100); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.91-7.96 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.89 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42-7.46 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82 and 6.85 (2 s, 3H, 2×5-ArH and C=CH), 6.68 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.86 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 1.52-1.65 (m, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.19 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃ ), and 0.89 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.29 (C=O), 169.63 (C=O), 145.89, 145.32, 143.52, 140.66, 137.87, 136.09, 135.52, 134.32, 132.35, 129.81, 128.71, 127.46, 121.76, 36.04, 35.05, 34.82, 32.03, and 31.87; IR (film) 2500-3400 (br, CO₂ H), 1695 (C=O), 1615, 1585, 1440, 1415, 1365, 1285, 1225, and 910 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 405 (MH⁺), 387 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd for C₂₆ H₂₈ O₄.0.4 H₂ O: C, 75.85; H, 7.05. Found: C, 75.89; H, 6.96.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11c): scale=0.69 mmol, yield=100%; mp 211°-213° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 332 nm (ε= 21,100), 284 nm (ε=21,700); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ7.86 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.74 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.69 (d, J=12 Hz, 2H, 5-ArH), 7.56 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.34-7.44 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.00 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.67-6.74 (m, 2H, ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 5.94 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 1.67 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.29 (br s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ167.13 (C=O), 167.02 (C=O), 144.56, 144.29, 141.53, 138.47, 136.94, 133.90, 133.36, 132.54, 131.27, 130.80, 130.61, 130.24, 128.72, 128.52, 126.38, 125.29, 124.84, 124.47, 122.48, 34.48, 34.28, 34.21, and 32.18; IR (KBr) 3430 (br, CO₂ H), 3010, 2960, 2925, 2865, 1690 (C=O), 1615, 1435, 1290, 1260, and 1225 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 455 (MH⁺) and 411 (MH⁺ --CO₂ H). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₀ O₄.0.67 H₂ O: C, 77.20; H, 6.77. Found: C, 77.21; H, 6.58.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11d): scale=1.27 mmol, yield=94%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 314 nm (ε=19,700), 228 nm (ε=23,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.93-7.96 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.88 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.38-7.41 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.87 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.86 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.63-6.69 (m, 3H, CH=CHCO₂ and 2×5-ArH), 5.85 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.70 (quintet, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.42 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ169.25 (C=O), 160.30, 143.78, 140.51, 136.75, 135.62, 132.16, 129.82, 129.71, 121.47, 115.08, 68.92 (ArOCH₂), 33.07, 30.69, 30.50, 30.46, 30.34, 27.12, 23.74, and 14.45; IR (KBr) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2950, 2920, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1605, 1510, 1465, 1440, 1420, 1300, 1255, 1175, 1025, 935, 915, 890, 830, and 750 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 451 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₄ O₅ : C, 74.64; H, 7.61. Found: C, 74.50; H, 7.56.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11e): scale=0.32 mmol, yield=100%; UV_(max) (CH₂ C₁₂) 342 nm (ε=20,200); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.01 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.92-7.96 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.40-7.45 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.91 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.75 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.64 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.58 (dd, J=2, 8.5 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.31 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.79 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.89 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂), 3.42 (t, J= 7 Hz, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂), 1.73 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArC⁴ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.50-1.60 (m, 2H, ArC³ OCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.38 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.82-0.87 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ173.39 (C=O), 171.72 (C=O), 149.30, 149.14, 141.84, 138.74, 138.66, 136.11, 135.36, 130.94, 129.64, 129.39, 129.14, 128.07, 123.97, 117.78, 114.15, 112.58, 68.91, 68.50, 31.90, 29.58, 29.36, 29.33, 29.09, 28.94, 25.94, 24.78, 22.68, and 14.12; IR (KBr) 2955, 2925, 2850, 2665, 1700 (C=O), 1585, 1515, 1435, 1310, 1270, 1240, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 607 (MH⁺), 563 (M-2×CO₂ H+2H)⁺. Anal. Calcd for C₃₈ H₅₄ O₆ : C, 75.21; H, 8.97. Found: C, 75.22; H, 8.97.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-2,4-heptadienoic acid (11f): scale=0.40 mmol, yield=85%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 262 nm (ε=8,800); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.90 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.80 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.06-7.27 (m, 6H, 1×2-ArH and 5×5-ArH), 6.58 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.04 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.76 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.68 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), and 2.33 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.10 (C=O), 143.14, 142.60, 139.70, 139.13, 137.78, 134.94, 131.66, 129.49, 129.43, 129.34, 129.14, 126.96, 121.16, 36.41, and 32.43; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 1695 (C=O), 1620, 1605, 1585, 1440, 1290, 1245, 1170, 915, 885, 755, 725, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 323 (MH⁺), 305 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd for C₂₀ H₁₈ O₄.0.1 H₂ O: C, 74.11; H, 5.66. Found: C, 74.08; H, 5.61.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (11g): scale=2.21 mmol, yield=75%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.89 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.82 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.34 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.15 (m, 2H, 4-ArH and 7-ArH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.58 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.06 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.29 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.10 (C=O), 169.78 (C=O), 145.62, 143.35, 143.25, 139.75, 139.46, 139.04, 138.28, 134.96, 131.69, 129.37, 129.08, 127.72, 127.52, 127.48, 126.85, 120.99, 36.37, 36.32, 36.19, 35.06, 34.85, 32.67, 32.34, and 31.43; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1695 (C=O), and 755 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 434 (M +2H)⁺. Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₂ O₄.0.1 H₂ O: C, 77.43; H, 7.47. Found: C, 77.22; H, 7.47.

For (2Z),(4Z),(6E)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (11h): scale=0.30 mmol, yield=67%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 348 nm (ε=33,200); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.94-7.98 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.43-7.47 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.05-7.25 (m, 4H, 3×7-ArH and C=CH), 6.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.48 (br d, J=12 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.84 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.25 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.22 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.18 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD3OD) δ170.56 (C=O), 169.89 (C=O), 145.71, 142.66, 142.46, 141.08, 140.26, 138.66, 135.20, 133.36, 132.39, 131.89, 129.58, 129.21, 127.59, 124.76, 124.07, 123.78, 121.58, 36.24, 36.13, 35.19, 35.03, 32.21, 32.10, and 16.19 (C=CCH₃); IR (film) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1690 (C=O), 1585, 1445, 1295, 1255, and 1225 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 445 (MH⁺), 399 (M⁺ --CO₂ H). Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₂ O₄.0.33 H₂ O: C, 77.30; H, 7.31. Found: C, 77.36; H, 7.20.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (11i): scale=0.54 mmol, yield=100%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 280 nm (ε=8,600), 270 nm (ε=10,500); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.90 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.84 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.35 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.01 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.56-6.61 (m, 3H, 2×7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.05 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.76 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CHCO₂), 3.72 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.33 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (br s, 6H, adamantyl), 2.01 (br s, 3H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.10 (C=O), 169.78 (C=O), 160.11, 143.20, 141.32, 139.76, 139.06, 138.07, 137.13, 134.96, 131.72, 131.59, 129.38, 129.12, 127.15, 121.49, 121.07, 113.16, 55.34 (OCH₃), 41.94, 38.28, 37.74, 36.08, 32.42, and 30.63; IR (KBr) 3420 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1450, 1415, 1290, and 1245 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 487 (MH⁺) and 443 (MH⁺ --CO₂ H). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₄ O₅.0.33 H₂ O: C, 75.58; H, 7.09. Found: C, 75.59; H, 7.02.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (11j): scale - 0.21 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.81 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.68 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.24 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.77-6.88 (m, 3H, 7-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.00 (t, J=7 Hz, C=CH), 5.76 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.71 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.55 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.22 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂ ), 1.95 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.68 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.29 (C=O), 167.01 (C=O), 156.67, 141.05, 138.05, 137.26, 137.13, 136.19, 133.14, 132.58, 130.54, 129.67, 128.05, 127.83, 126.30, 126.12, 121.06, 111.92, 55.13 (OCH₃), 40.12, 36.57, 36.24, 34.34, 31.23, and 28.38; IR (KBr) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1495, 1445, 1285, 1260, and 1235 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 487 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃ H₃₄ O₅ : C, 76.52; H, 7.04. Found: C, 76.19; H, 7.14.

Example 10b: Synthesis of 11k

For (2Z),(4Z)-3-Methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (11k). A suspension of potassium t-butylate (1.40 g, 12.5 mmol) in TFIF (40 mL) was cooled under a nitrogen atmosphere to -5° C. A solution of 4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-2-butenoate (Tramposch, K. M. et al. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 1992, 189, 272) (1.66 g, 6.00 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added to the slurry. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. A solution of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenaldehyde (3b) (1.33 g, 5.00 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. After stirring for 30 min at 0° C., 4 mL of water was added. After 3 h of additional stirring, the solution was acidified with 1N HCI to pH 2. This acidic solution was poured into a separatory funnel and shaken with ether. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purified by passage through a silica gel pad using gradient elution (methylene chloride to 5% methanol/methylene chloride). Removal of the solvents gave an oil which was dissolved in acetonitrile to precipitate 11k as a white solid (1.34 g, 55%): mp 186°-7° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ CH₂ OH) 318 nm (ε=16,000), 222 nm (ε=45,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, one drop of DMSO-d⁶ in CDCl₃) δ7.95 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.54 (d, J=13 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.39-7.42 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.31 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.20 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.85 (dd, J=8.5, 1 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.64 (s, 1H, ArCH=C), 5.82 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H, C=CHCO₂), 1.84 (s, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.68 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.29 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ168.96 (C=O), 168.80 (C=O), 156.12, 144.38, 144.25, 140.50, 138.24, 134.70, 133.18, 131.52, 130.85, 130.78, 130.71, 128.86, 128.42, 128.30, 128.15, 126.28, 124.88, 124.41, 119.55, 34.91, 34.40, 34.36, 32.33, and 24.19; IR (KBr) 2965, 2925, 2860, 1690 (C=O), 1650, 1465, 1360, 1300, 1250, 960 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 469 (MH⁺), 425. Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₂ O₄ : C, 79.48; H, 6.84. Found: C, 79.30; H, 7.08.

Example 11: General Procedure for Synthesis of 12

Manganese dioxide (5:1 weight ratio MnO₂ /alcohol) was added in one portion to a solution of alcohol 5 in methylene chloride (0.1M). The reaction mixture was stirred in a stoppered flask at room temperature for 4-40 h. Additional MnO₂ was added if necessary to take the reaction to completion. The brown slurry was filtered through a one-inch pad of Celite and the collected solid was washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the aldehyde product was used without purification.

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (12a): scale=5.9 mmol, yield=90%; lid NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) a 9.69 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.53 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.38 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.09 (dt, J=3, 9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 6.73 (dt, J=3, 9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 3.91 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.73 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.16-1.40 (m, 14 H, 7×CH₂), 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.14 (C=O), 161.31 (3-ArC), 151.30, 138.01, 134.67, 133.10, 132.74 (3-ArC), 129.34, 126.49 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.79, 124.98 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 114.69 (3-ArC), 68.19 (ArOCH₂), 40.60, 31.87, 29.52, 29.30, 29.04, 25.92, and 14.10; IR (KBr) 2960, 2920, 2870, 2850, 1675 (C=O), 1600, 1570, 1510, 1475, 1425, 1325, 1310, 1260, 1180, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 433 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (12b): scale=1.8 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.75 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.62 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.56 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.48 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.38 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.15 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.85 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.78 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.58 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 3.57 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.57-1.65 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.37 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.16 (C=O), 158.98 (3-ArC), 151.28, 140.32, 134.50, 134.37, 134.00, 129.68, 129.34, 126.50 (q, J³ _(c),f 32 4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.04 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.60, 118.21, 115.02, 67.78 (ArOCH₂), 31.89, 29.53, 29.31, 29.27, 28.98, 25.83, 22.68, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1690 (C=O), 1580, 1325, 1270, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 433 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(2-decyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (12c): scale=2.0 mmol, yield=93%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.77 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.87 (s, 1H, C=CH), 7.58 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39-7.47 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.38 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.25 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.03 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.85 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.22-1.54 (m, 14H, 7× CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.46 (C=O), 157.90 (3-ArC), 146.68, 139.54, 134.30, 133.16, 132.11, 130.30, 129.04, 126.58 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.82 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 122.47, 119.97, 111.95, 68.62 (OCH₂), 31.89, 29.59, 29.57, 29.37, 29.32, 29.13, 26.12, 22.68, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1690 (C=O), 1600, 1455, 1325, 1250, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 433 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-[4-(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dienoxy]phenyl)-2-propenal (12d): scale=1.35 mmol, yield=92%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.70 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.53 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, ArCH=C), 7.39 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.10 (dt, J=3, 9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH) 6.75 (dt, J=3, 9 Hz, 2H, 3-ArH), 5.41 (dt, J=1, 7 Hz, 1H, C=CHCH₂ O), 5.03-5.06 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)₂), 4.51 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 2.03-2.12 (m, 4H, C=CHCH₂ CH₂), and 1.55-1.69 (m, 9H, 3×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.11 (C=O), 161.06 (3-ArC), 151.22, 141.89, 138.07, 134.66, 133.10, 132.71 (3-ArC), 131.89, 131.48, 129.34, 126.52 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.90, 124.99 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 123.65, 118.74, 114.92 (3-ArC), 65.03 (ArOCH₂), 39.48, 26.22, 25.66, 17.67, and 16.67; IR (KBr) 2970, 2915, 2890, 1675, 1600, 1570, 1510, 1425, 1325, 1310, 1255, 1180, 1160, and 1115 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 429 (MH⁺).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2-propenal (12e): scale=2.11 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.72 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.40-7.68 (m, 4H, 2-ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.91 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.79 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.50 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 4.00 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 3.45 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 1.75-1.88 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.55-1.67 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.20-1.48 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.95 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2-propenal (12f): scale=1.6 mmol, yield=78%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.80 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.75 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.64-7.68 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.58 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.45-7.55 (m, 3H, 2×ArH and C=CH), 4.42 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.90 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 1.74 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.35 (br s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ193.26 (C=O), 151.94, 147.10, 145.58, 139.48, 133.30, 132.41, 132.20, 131.33, 130.22, 129.22, 127.41, 126.73, 125.95, 125.15, 124.91, 34.86 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.81, 34.61, and 32.43 and 32.38 (4×CH.sub. 3); IR (KBr) 2960, 2930, 1685 (C=O), 1605, 1325, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹.

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenal (12g): scale=1.39 mmol, yield=89%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.80 (s, 1 tt, CHO), 7.50 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.31 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.10 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.04 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.88 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.65 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenal (12h): scale=1.94 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.61 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.24 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.98-7.08 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.85-6.93 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.76 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.65 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenal (12i): scale=2.73 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.59 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.22-7.31 (m, 2H, 1×2-ArH and 1×5-ArH), 7.03 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.98 (apparent tt, J=2, 8Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.88 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.72 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.63 (apparent dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.64 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

For (Z)-2-phenyl-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenal (12j): scale=0.78 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.61 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.28-7.38 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.22 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.05 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.92-7.00 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.88 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.75 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 2.78 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.66 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.66 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.26 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃ ).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12k): scale=0.60 mmol, yield=100%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.63 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.61 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.50 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.30 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.19 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.96 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.92 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.85 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.80 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.65 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.07 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.78 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-(3-Phenyl)-5-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12l): scale=0.96 mmol, yield=89%, ca. 6:1 mixture of Z:E isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ(Z-isomer) 9.60 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.33-7.39 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.03-7.07 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.98 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.93 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.78 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.75 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.64 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.02 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12m): scale=1.06 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.58 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.57 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.45 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.30 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.09 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 6.82 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.65 (dd, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.63 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-phenyl-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12n): scale=3.48 mmol, yield=86%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.62 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.30-7.40 (m, 3H, 2-ArH), 7.11 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.96-7.03 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 6.75 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.68 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.58 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.79 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.68 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.07 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.76 (br s, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[2-(1-adamantyl )-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12o): scale=0.30 mmol, yield=100%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.65 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.60 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.49 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.33 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.26 (m, 1H, 2-ArH), 6.97 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.89 (m, 2H, 5-ArH and C=CH), 6.67 (dd, J=3, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.65 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 3H, adamantyl), 1.94 (s, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (m, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-[-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-propenal (12p): scale=2.13 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.74 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.65 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.57 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.51 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.41 (m, 2H, 2 -ArH and C=CH), 7.15 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.88 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 6.49 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 3-ArH), 3.34 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.00 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.72 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

For (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-t-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl]-2-pentenal (12q): scale=1.43 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.60 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.59 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.46 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.31 (s, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.11 (m, 2H, 2-ArH and 5-ArH), 6.82 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, HC=CCHO), 6.65 (dd, J=1, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.52 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 2.73 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.61 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.07 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.01 (s, 9H, t-butyl), and 0.28 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂).

Example 12: General Procedure for Synthesis of 13

A solution of 18-crown-6 (5 equivalents) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (methoxycarbonylmethyl)phosphonate (1.1 equivalents) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was cooled to -78° C. under argon. A solution of potassium bistrimethylsilylamide (0.5M in toluene, 1.1 equivalents) was added, followed by addition of a solution of the aldehyde 12 (1 equivalent) in tetrahydrofuran (0.05M final concentration). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and then was poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated. The ether layer was washed further with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification was accomplished by column chromatography (40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 3 to 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to provide the target compound.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13a): scale=2.8 mmol, yield=75%; 7 ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.36-7.53 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 6.78-6.86 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and C=CH), 6.60-6.66 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 5.81 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.86 (t, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.25 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.71 (quintet, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.24-1.50 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.85 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.82 (C=O), 159.02 (5-Ar), 142.64, 139.32, 136.11, 134.47, 133.26, 131.54, 131.03 (5-ArC), 129.01, 127.73, 126.42 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.13 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 119.68, 114.18 (5-ArC), 67.96 (ArOCH₂), 51.22 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.87, 29.53, 29.35, 29.30, 29.14, 25.97, 22.66, and 14.10; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1730 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1325, 1310, 1255, 1175, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 489 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13b): scale=0.90 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (dd, J=2, 7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.48 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36-7.44 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.03 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.84 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.66-6.70 (m, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.66 (dd, J=2, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.54 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.37 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.87 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.56 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.28 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.55-1.65 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.35 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.65 (C=O), 158.72 (5-ArC), 142.13, 139.06, 136.60, 135.92, 133.26, 131.08, 130.66, 129.13, 129.01, 126.42 (q, f3_(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.18 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 122.30, 120.76, 115.29, 114.42, 67.66 (ArOCH₂), 51.28 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.89, 29.55, 29.31, 25.88, 22.68, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 1730 (C=O), 1435, 1325, 1265, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 489 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(2-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13c): scale=0.92 mmol, yield=72%, 12:1 mixture of Z:E isomers. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.42-7.57 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.33-7.37 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.07-7.13 (m, 2H, 5-ArH and C=CH), 6.80 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=2, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.48-6.70 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 5.88 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.95 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.28 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.78 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.47 (m, 14H, 7×CH.sub. 2), and 0.87 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.77 (C=O), 157.29 (5-ArC), 142.93, 139.27, 136.00, 133.11, 131.55, 130.23, 129.21,128.68, 126.30 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.71, 123.89 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.43, 119.73, 68.38 (ArOCH₂), 51.18 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.90, 29.58, 29.38, 29.33, 29.19, 26.07, 22.67, and 14.11; IR (film) 2925, 2855, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1250, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 489 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dien-oxy]phenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13d): scale=1.20 mmol, yield=62%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51-7.53 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.47 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.38-7.42 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.79-6.84 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and C=CH), 6.62-6.68 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 5.81 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.41 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CHCH₂ O), 5.03-5.06 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)₂), 4.45 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.26 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.02-2.08 (m, 4H, C=CHCH.sub. 2 CH₂), and 1.55-1.68 (m, 9H, 3×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.80 (C=O), 158.77 (5-ArC), 142.64, 141.37, 139.30, 136.04, 134.53, 133.26, 131.83, 131.02 (5-ArC), 129.02, 127.86, 126.40 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.12 (q, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.74, 119.73, 119.16, 114.41 (5-ArC), 64.84 (ArOCH₂), 51.22 (CO₂ CH₃), 39.50, 26.26, 25.67, 17.67, and 16.64; IR (film) 2925, 1725 (C=O), 1670, 1600, 1510, 1325, 1310, 1250, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 485 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13e): scale=1.40 mmol, yield=94%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.39-7.53 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 6.81 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.57-6.67 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.26 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.79 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.91 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 3.43 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 3.24 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.70-1.79 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.54-1.61 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.24-1.45 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.89 (m, 6 H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.81 (C=O), 149.23, 148.33, 142.31, 139.58, 136.64, 134.49, 133.46, 131.00 (q, J² _(c),f =38 Hz, 2-ArC), 129.12, 128.08, 126.57 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.02 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 124.00 (q, J¹ _(c),f =273 Hz, CF₃), 123.78, 119.47, 113.82, 112.79, 69.00 (CH₂ O), 68.50 (CH₂ O), 51.21 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.90, 29.58, 29.32, 29.12, 29.01, 25.94, 25.80, 22.67, and 14.10; IR (KBr) 2925, 2855, 1730 (C=O), 1595, 1510, 1470, 1435, 1325, 1310, 1270, 1240, 1200, 1165, 1130, 1095, 1070, 1000, 800, and 705 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 645 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (13f): scale=1.3 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.62 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.52-7.57 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.45 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.36-7.39 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.02 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.74 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1 H, ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.89 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.28 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.72 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.33 (s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); IR (KBr) 3010, 2960, 2930, 2865, 1730 (C=O), 1620, 1465, 1435, 1320, 1310, 1240, 1210, 1170, and 1135 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 492 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (13g): scale=0.74 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.48 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.39 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.98 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.07 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.18 (s, 3 H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.50 (C=O), 144.76, 142.58, 141.77, 139.15, 138.69, 137.73, 136.97, 132.51, 128.50, 126.52, 126.39, 125.79 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.61, 123.75 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 119.23, 51.08 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.12, 35.07, 34.13, 33.94, 31.86, 31.80, and 31.07; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1730 (C=O), 1495, 1460, 1435, 1385, 1365, 1325, 1310, 1280, 1165, 1125, 1095, 1070, 825, 800, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 471 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (13h): scale=0.96 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.91-6.98 (m, 5H, 4×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.52 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.99 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.69 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.24 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.97, 166.57 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 4-ArC), 144.07, 142.39, 138.09, 137.99, 137.23, 130.71 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.44, 125.67, 118.84, 114.79 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 51.15 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.16, 35.14, 35.09, 34.14, 33.94, 31.89, 31.84 and 31.06; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1730 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1455, 1435, 1360, 1220, 1195, 1170, 1160, 840, and 820 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 421 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (13i): scale=1.35 mmol, yield=91%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.21-7.27 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.00 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.80-6.85 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.71 (apparent dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.51 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.01 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.71 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.27 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.36 (q, J= 8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.85 (C=O), 162.47 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 4-ArC), 144.74, 142.54, 142.07, 140.11 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 138.36, 137.92, 137.02, 129.38 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.45 (d, J⁴ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.67, 124.77, 119.04, 115.98 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 113.85 (J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 51.09 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.15, 35.09, 34.15, 33.94, 31.87, 31.83, and 31.10; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1730 (C=O), 1610, 1580, 1490, 1455, 1435, 1265, 1195, 1170, 825, 790, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 421 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (13j): scale=0.69 mmol, yield=72%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.19-7.30 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.03-7.07 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.00 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.84 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.00 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.69 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.19 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH2), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH.sub. 2), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.15 (C=O), 144.66, 142.55, 142.41, 138.15, 137.83, 129.03, 127.94, 126.97, 126.42, 125.67, 118.74, 51.08 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.27, 35.16, 35.10, 34.15, 33.94, 31.89, 31.84, and 30.04; IR (film) 3020, 2960, 2825, 2860, 1730 (C=O), 1625, 1495, 1455, 1435, 1360, 1275, 1190, 1170, 825, 765, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 403 (MH⁺), 371 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (13k): scale=0.30 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.49 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.31 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.23 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.91 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.74 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.55 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.07 (br t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.18 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.32 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.71 (C=O), 157.18, 141.77, 139.29, 138.72, 138.36, 137.01, 132.56, 132.49, 128.49, 126.77, 126.21, 125.80, 123.72 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.70, 119.17, 111.63, 55.03 (ArOCH₃), 51.07 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.55, and 37.12; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1235, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 525 (MH⁺), 524 (M⁺), 523 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₅ O₃ F₃ : C, 73.26; H, 6.72. Found: C, 72.85; H, 6.66.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-phenyl-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (131): scale=0.86 mmol, yield=51%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.19-7.32 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.07-7.10 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.87 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.74 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.55 (dd, J=12, 1 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.99 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.70 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.78 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 3.19 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.14 (C=O), 157.11, 142.57, 138.33, 138.12, 137.96, 137.87, 132.92, 129.06, 127.96, 126.95, 126.75, 126.23, 118.71, 111.59, 55.08 (OCH₃), 51.08 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.57, 37.14, 36.87, 35.06, 31.34, and 29.11; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1495, and 1235 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 457 (MH⁺), 425 (M--OCH₃)⁺, 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₆ O₃ : C, 81.54; H, 7.95. Found: C, 81.33; H, 7.81.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (13m): scale=0.46 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.38 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.08 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.64 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.56 (m, 2H, CH=CHCO₂ and 7-ArH), 6.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.74 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.20 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.66 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArH₂), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.69 (C=O), 158.75, 141.74, 139.54, 138.86, 138.70, 137.09, 136.35, 132.55, 132.55, 130.34 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.54, 126.41, 125.80 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.13 (d, J¹ _(c),f =270 Hz, CF₃), 123.77, 120.24, 119.35, 111.88, 54.86 (OCH₃), 51.09 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.65, 37.14, 36.68, 35.08, 30.98, and 29.12; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1250, 1200, 1165, 1125, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 525 (MH⁺), 523 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺); Exact mass spectrum Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₅ O₃ F₃ Na (MNa⁺): 547.2436. Found: 547.2424.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-phenyl-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (13n): scale=2.95 mmol, yield=96%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.18-7.31 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.04-7.08 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.63 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.52-6.57 (m, 2H, 1×7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.00 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.69 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.19 (CO₂ CH₃), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.38 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.13 (C=O), 158.69, 142.50, 139.92, 138.23, 137.80, 137.58, 136.18, 129.05, 127.95, 126.99, 126.28, 120.23, 118.81, 111.95, 54.90 (OCH₃), 52.00 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.65, 37.14, 36.65, 35.19, 30.90, and 29.10; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1610, 1495, 1450, 1435, 1410, 1250, 1200, 1170, 1140, 1040, 1025, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 457 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (13o): scale=0.31 mmol, yield=80%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.49 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.31 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.82 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=3, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.58 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.11 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.20 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.92 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.34 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.01 (br s, 3H, adamantyl), 1.90 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.71 (m, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.68 (C=O), 157.58, 149.01, 141.68, 138.98, 138.67, 136.95, 132.62, 131.74, 128.53, 125.69 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.84 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 119.44, 113.08, 109.94, 55.07 (OCH₃), 51.12 (CO₂ CH₃), 42.07, 37.84, 36.74, 33.19, 32.90, and 29.08; IR (film) 2910, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 525 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₅ O₃ F₃.0.20CH₃ CO₂ CH₂ CH₃ : C, 72.67; H, 6.80. Found: C, 72.65; H, 6.68.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoate (13p): scale=0.55 mmol, yield=86%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.41-7.55 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 7.02 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.83 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.60-6.67 (m, 2H, CH=CHCO₂ and 5-ArH), 6.25 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.83 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH-CHCO₂), 3.32 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.26 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.98 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.71 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.74 (C=O), 158.21, 142.10, 139.42, 139.13, 136.35, 135.84, 133.80, 133.38, 130.95 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 129.15, 126.58 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.36, 124.13 (d, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.99 (q, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 122.96, 120.08, 112.03, 54.23 (ArOCH₃), 51.26 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.36, 37.03, 36.96, and 28.98; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1255, 1205, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 497 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₁ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.56; H, 6.29. Found: C, 72.43; H, 6.32.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1adamantyl)-3-t-butyldimethylsilyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (13q): scale=1.29 mmol, yield=79%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.50 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.40 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.22 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.61 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.54 (d, J=13 Hz, HC=CHCO₂), 6.48 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.06 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 3.73 (s, 3H, ArOCH.sub. 3), 3.19 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.58 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.31 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (s, 9H, adamantyl), 1.73 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 0.99 (s, 9H, t-butyl), and 0.26 (s, 6H, Si(CH₃)₂); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.69 (C=O), 154.55, 141.67, 139.11, 138.85, 138.65, 137.28, 137.13, 132.55, 130.38 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz), 130.16, 128.53, 126.97, 125.75 (d, J³ c,f=4 Hz), 123.80 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz), 120.33, 119.30, 119.05, 51.10 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.44, 37.06, 36.53, 34.75, 30.89, 29.03, 26.40, 18.90 (C(CH₃)₃), and -3.39 (Si(CH₃)₂); IR (film) 2930, 2906, 2854, 1730 (C=O), 1324, 1264, 1254, 1166, 1128, 856, and 836 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 625(MH⁺), 623 (M--H)⁺, 567 (M-t-butyl)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₇ H₄₇ O₃ F₃ : C, 71.12; H, 7.58. Found: C, 70.80; H, 7.30.

Example 13: General Procedure for Synthesis of 14

A mixture of ester 13 in methanol/tetrahydrofuran/2N sodium hydroxide solution (1:1:1, 0.1M) was heated at reflux for 1-4 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and 10% hydrochloric acid solution was added until the solution reached pH 1. The resulting cloudy mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 to 4 portions), and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was evaporated from pentane (3 portions) and then dried in vacuo.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14a): scale=0.49 mmol, yield=100%, 15:1 mixture of 2Z;2E isomers. mp 86°-88° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 300 nm (ε=20,700), 224 nm (ε=10,900), 324 nm (ε=14,800); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.41-7.57 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 6.84-6.90 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and C=CH), 6.64-6.70 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 5.88 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.89 (t, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.70 (quint, J=6 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.28-1.50 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.85 (t, J=6 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ169.90 (C=O), 160.40 (5-ArC), 143.42, 141.17, 136.29, 135.98, 134.69, 132.11 (5-ArC), 129.49, 127.69 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.00 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 121.90, 115.17 (5-ArC), 68.97 (ArOCH₂), 33.05, 30.68, 30.47, 30.44, 30.30, 23.72, and 14.43; IR (KBr) 2500-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2955, 2940, 2920, 2870, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1600, 1510, 1470, 1450, 1420, 1325, 1310, 1255, 1180, and 1160 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 475 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₃ O₃ : C, 70.87; H, 7.01. Found: C, 70.83; H, 7.03.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14b): scale=0.80 mmol, yield=99%, 18:1 mixture of 2Z:2E isomers. UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 322 nm (ε=19,000), 234 nm (ε=12,300); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.56 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41-7.51 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.06 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.90 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.64-6.74 (m, 2H, 5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.61 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.38 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.94 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.56 (t, J= 7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.54-1.64 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.21-1.35 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ169.95 (C=O), 160.10 (5-ArC), 142.97, 140.95, 138.38, 135.78, 134.66, 130.34, 130.20, 127.78 (q, J³ _(c),f 32 4 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.17 (q, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.49, 122.87, 116.19, 115.38, 68.66 (ArOCH₂), 33.07, 30.70, 30.66, 30.46, 30.39, 30.18, 27.00, 23.74, and 14.44; IR (film) 2500-3400 (br, CO₂ H), 3060, 2925, 2855, 1695 (C=O), 1600, 1575, 1490, 1470, 1435, 1325, 1265, 1230, and 1165 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 475 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 70.87; H, 7.01. Found: C, 70.68; H, 6.99.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(2-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14c): scale=0.61 mmol, yield=100%, 3.5:1 mixture of 2Z:2E isomers. UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 320 nm (ε=2,900), 245 nm (ε=3,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.37-7.68 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.23-7.30 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.09-7.15 (m, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.07 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.74-6.99 (m, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.62 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.55 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.97 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂, 2 Z isomer), 5.38 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂, 2 E isomer), 3.97-4.05 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.73-1.87 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.22-1.58 (m, 14H, 7×CH₂), and 0.86-0.89 (m, 3H, CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ169.80 (C=O), 158.72 (5-ArC), 143.43, 141.02, 137.68, 134.48, 132.10, 131.51, 131.44, 131.15, 130.93, 130.32, 129.94, 127.57 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.41, 124.92 (q, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.07, 122.14, 120.77, 113.43, 112.94, 69.45 (ArOCH₂), 33.08, 31.34, 30.75, 30.70, 30.50, 30.34, 27.27, 23.75, and 14.45; IR (film) 2500-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2925, 2855, 1695 (C=O), 1595, 1455, 1325, 1290, 1250, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 475 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C.sub. 28 H₃₃ O₃ : C, 70.87; H, 7.01. Found: C, 70.83; H, 6.91.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(2E),(6E)-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dien-oxy]phenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14d): scale=0.74 mmol, yield=98%, 11:1 mixture of 2Z:2E isomers. UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 324 nm (ε=12,600), 234 nm (ε=9,200); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.56 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41-7.50 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 6.84-6.88 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and ArCH=C), 6.65-6.70 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 5.88 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.37 (dt, J=1, 7 Hz, 1H, C=CHCH₂ O), 5.04-5.07 (m, 1H, CH=C(CH₃)₂), 4.48 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 2.04-2.11 (m, 4H, C=CHCH₂ CH₂), and 1.58-1.69 (m, 9H, 3×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.15 (C=O), 160.10 (5-ArC), 143.43, 141.93, 141.15, 136.33, 135.98, 134.70, 132.58, 132.07 (5-ArC), 130.33, 129.56, 127.68 (q, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.12 (q, f3c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.94, 121.88, 121.03, 115.49 (5-ArC), 65.81 (ArOCH₂), 40.54, 27.34, 25.87, 17.73, and 16.61; IR (KBr) 2500-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 3035, 2975, 2930, 2890, 1700 (C=O), 1595, 1510, 1440, 1420, 1330, 1310, 1300, 1255, 1180, 1135, and 1095 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 471 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₂₉ O₃ F₃ : C, 71.47; H, 6.21. Found: C, 71.29; H, 6.16.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid/(2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14e): scale=1.09 mmol, yield=73%, 3:2 mixture of 2Z:2E isomers; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 350 nm (sh, e=21,200), 242 (ε=13,100); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.36-7.72 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 6.91 (s, 1H, C=CH from E-isomer), 6.83 (s, 1H, C=CH from Z-isomer), 6.59-6.71 (m, 3H, 2×5-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.31 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH from Z-isomer), 6.20 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH from E-isomer), 5.78 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂ from Z-isomer), 5.26 (d, J= 15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂ from E-isomer), 3.89-3.94 (m, 2H, CH₂ OAr), 3.43 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr from Z-isomer), 3.36 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OAr from E-isomer), 1.70-1.79 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.51-1.63 (m, 2 H, CH₂ CH₂ OAr), 1.21-1.47 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.88 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ171.80 (C=O from E-isomer), 166.81 (C=O from Z-isomer), 112.56-151.52 (27 peaks from ArC and C=C, both isomers), 68.99 (CH₂ OAr), 68.51 (CH₂ OAr), 68.31 (CH₂ OAr), 31.90, 29.57, 29.35, 29.12, 28.99, 25.94, 25.79, 22.68, and 14.10; IR (KBr) 2300-3300 (br, CO₂ H), 2955, 2920, 2850, 1690 (C=O from Z-isomer), 1675 (C=O from E-isomer), 1615, 1590, 1510, 1470, 1430, 1330, 1275, 1235, 1205, 1165, 1140, 1130, 1070, and 1015 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 630 (M⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₈ H₅₃ O₄ F₃ : C, 72.35; H, 8.47. Found: C, 72.45; H, 8.48.

For (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14f): scale=1.0, yield=100%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 332 nm (ε=23,800), 282 nm (ε=23,100), and 279 nm (ε=22,800); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.68 (s, 1 H, ArH), 7.58 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.52 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.42-7.47 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.41 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.08 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.96 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 1.76 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.35 (br s, 12 H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD/CDCl₃) δ167.92 (C=O), 144.06, 143.62, 141.45, 138.70, 135.56, 134.22, 132.60, 131.61, 130.84, 130.48, 129.50, 128.09, 128.06, 125.53, 124.70, 124.44, 124.17, 123.63, 123.10, 120.44, 34.02 (CH₂ CH₂), 33.46, 33.36, and 30.86 (4×CH₃); IR (KBr) 2400-3300 (br, CO₂ H), 3050, 3010, 2960, 2930, 2985, 1695 (C=O), 1610, 1430, 1325, 1310, 1280, 1250, 1225, 1180, and 1135 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 479 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₃₀ H₂₉ O₂ F₃.0.25 H₂ O: C, 74.59; H, 6.15. Found: C, 74.56; H, 6.14.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14g): scale=0.62 mmol, yield=40%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 252 nm (ε=9,800); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.51 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.33 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.79 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.76 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.66 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ169.97 (C=O), 145.64, 143.43, 142.79, 140.42, 139.31, 138.88, 138.66, 134.11, 129.70, 127.53 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.92 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.67, 121.24, 36.31, 36.05, 35.06, 34.86, 32.54, and 32.31; IR (film) 2500-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 3020, 2960, 2930, 2860, 1700 (C=O), 1615, 1455, 1435, 1355, 1325, 1310, 1280, 1250, 1220, 1165, 1130, 1100, 1070, 760, and 705 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 457 (MH⁺ ). Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₁ O₂ F₃.0.15 H₂ O: C, 73.22; H, 6.87. Found: C, 73.25; H, 6.90.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14h): scale=0.77 mmol, yield=61%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 252 nm (ε=12,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.16 (d,J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.99 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.91-6.97 (m, 4H, 4-ArH), 6.79 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.50 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.99 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.60 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.43, 163.23 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 4-ArC), 145.59, 143.36, 143.07, 139.52, 138.92, 137.71, 132.19 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 127.62, 127.47, 126.95, 120.84, 115.54 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 36.32, 36.10, 35.06, 34.85, 32.59, and 32.34; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1695 (C=O), 1605, 1510, 1455, 1435, 1360, 1280, 1220, 1160, 840, 825, and 760 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 407 (MH⁺), 389 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₁ O₂ F: C, 79.77; H, 7.69. Found: C, 79.40 ; H, 7.51.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14i): scale=1.13 mmol, yield=74%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 270 nm (sh, ε=7,700), 242 (ε=9,700); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.16-7.26 (m, 2H, 1×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 7.00 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.80-6.91 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.71 (apparent dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.59 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.03 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.71 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ165.20 (C=O), 162.47 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 4-ArC), 145.14, 144.74, 142.52, 140.01 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 137.98, 137.93, 136.49, 129.41 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.45, 125.71, 124.77, 115.97 (d, J² c,f=21 Hz, 4-ArC), 113.91 (d, J² c,f=21 Hz, 4-ArC), 35.14, 35.09, 34.14, 33.94, 31.87, 31.83, and 31.19; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1700 (C=O), 1610, 1580, 1490, 1455, 1440, 1360, 1250, 1220, 1190, 885, 825, 785, and 760 cm⁻ 1 ; MS (DCI) m/e 407 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₁ O₂ F: C, 79.77; H, 7.69. Found: C, 79.21; H, 7.76.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-Phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14j): scale=0.45 mmol, yield=81%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 247 nm (sh, ε=11,700), 220 (ε=19,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.19-7.27 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.15 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.95-7.00 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.52 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.99 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.60 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.29 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.66 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ145.56, 143.67, 143.30, 139.63, 139.44, 136.82, 130.27, 128.91, 128.02, 127.56, 127.45, 126.91, 120.71, 36.36, 36.33, 36.21, 35.06, 34.85, 32.62, and 32.34; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 3020, 2960, 2925, 2860, 1695 (C=O), 1620, 1495, 1455, 1440, 1360, 1285, 1245, 825, 760, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 389 (MH⁺), 371 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd for C₂₇ H₃₂ O₂.0.2 H₂ O: C, 82.69; H, 8.32. Found: C, 82.76; H, 8.27.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14k): scale=0.19 mmol, yield=75%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.46 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.91 (d, ]=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.86 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.33 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.89 (C=O), 157.17, 145.10, 138.98, 138.66, 138.36, 136.50, 132.48, 130.35 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.43, 126.77, 126.24, 125.75 (d, J³ c,f=4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.47, 123.79 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.48 (d, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 118.41, 111.63, 55.03 (OCH₃), 40.56, 37.13, 36.86, 34.77, 31.50, and 29.10; IR (film) 2400-3500 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1235, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.92; H, 6.51. Found: C, 72.93; H, 6.58.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-Phenyl-7-[3-(1-adamantyl )-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (141): scale=0.37 mmol, yield=60%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.19-7.33 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.12 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.95 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.90 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.75 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.66 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.03 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, ]=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.79 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.41 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH.sub. 2), 2.07 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.77 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ171.65 (C=O), 157.12, 145.98, 138.33, 137.85, 137.44, 137.15, 133.01, 128.02, 127.08, 126.79, 126.31, 118.19, 111.62,55.10 (OCH₃), 40.60, 37.17, 36.90, 34.93, 31.49, and 29.14; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1495, 1445, 1235, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 443 (MH⁺), 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₄ O₃.0.11 H₂ O: C, 81.05; H, 7.76. Found: C, 80.68; H, 7.78.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl )-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14m): scale=0.75 mmol, yield=77%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.46 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.35 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH 6.60-6.60 (m, 2H, 7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.08 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.72 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.36 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.95 (C=O), 158.74, 145.01, 139.59, 138.63, 138.54, 136.56, 136.35, 132.46, 130.36 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.47, 126.39, 125.78, (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.84 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 122.28, 120.25, 118.59, 111.92, 54.87 (OCH₃), 40.64, 37.14, 36.67, 34.92, 31.06, and 29.10; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1250, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.92; H, 6.51. Found: C, 72.90; H, 6.65.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-Phenyl-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14n): scale=1.93 mmol, yield=65%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 284 nm (sh, ε=8,000), 276 (ε=9,200), 242 (ε=14,500); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.17-7.29 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.04-7.08 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.60-6.65 (m, 2H, 1×7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.56 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.01 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.71 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.41 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04 (br s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (br s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.48 (C=O), 158.71, 145.81, 139.97, 137.76, 137.58, 136.69, 136.20, 129.03, 127.99, 127.11, 126.28, 120.31, 118.07, 112.06, 54.92 (OCH₃), 40.68, 37.15, 36.66, 35.02, 30.98, and 29.12; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 3055, 3030, 2905, 2850, 1695 (C=O), 1610, 1570, 1495, 1450, 1410, 1290, 1245, 1180, 1160, 1140, 1040, 1025, 810, and 700 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 443 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₄ O₃ : C, 81.41; H, 7.74. Found: C, 81.03; H, 7.78.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14o): scale=0.21 mmol, yield=77%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.28 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.92 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.82 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.60-6.67 (m, 2H, 7-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 6.12 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.74 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.90 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.35 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.89-2.08 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.62-1.75 (m, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.74 (C=O), 157.57, 149.02, 145.04, 138.58, 136.42, 132.65, 132.53, 131.79, 130.22, 128.47, 125.67 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.91 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 118.63, 113.08, 109.93, 55.07 (OCH₃), 42.18, 42.05, 37.83, 36.74, 32.99, and 29.07; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C= O), 1610, 1325, 1250, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.92; H, 6.51. Found: C, 72.55; H, 6.47.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoic acid (14p): scale=0.37 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.50 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.34-7.46 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.03 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.84 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.70 (dd, J=1, 12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 6.64 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.30 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.80 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.32 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 1.98 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.71 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ171.15 (C= O), 158.21, 145.28, 139.42, 139.24, 136.25, 135.48, 133.80, 133.22, 130.95 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 129.09, 126.47 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.37, 124.21 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.06, 120.42 (q, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 112.16, 54.22 (OCH₃), 40.36, 37.04, 36.98, and 28.98; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2910, 2880, 2850, 1690 (C=O), 1330, 1250, 1240, 1165, and 1120 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 483 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₂₉ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.18; H, 6.06. Found: C, 72.19; H, 6.09.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14q): prepared from 15 using the general procedure above (example 12). The crude product was purified by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% methanol/methylene chloride), scale=0.33 mmol, yield=55%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.48 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.35-7.39 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.19 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.06 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.59-6.65 (m, 2H, CH=CHCO₂ and 7-ArH), 6.34 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.04 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, H=CHCO₂), 2.58 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.34 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04-2.07 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ171.18 (C=O), 154.28, 145.48, 139.66, 138.58, 137.84, 136.34, 134.21,132.46, 130.43 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.58, 126.95, 125.69 (d, f3_(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.07 (d, J¹ _(c),f =271 Hz, CF₃), 123.96 (d, J³ _(c),f =3 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.58, 118.51, 116.97, 40.59, 37.05, 36.38, 34.27, 30.82, and 29.02; IR (KBr) 2500-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1680 (C=O), 1615, 1420, 1325, 1270, 1260, 1225, 1165, 1125, and 1075 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 497 (MH⁺), 496 (M⁺), 495 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₁ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.56; H, 6.29. Found: C, 72.56; H, 6.37.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-pentyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14r): prepared from 16r; purified by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 3% methanol/methylene chloride); scale=0.55 mmol, yield=74%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.33-7.38 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.06 (d, J=8 Hz 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57-6.65 (m, 2H, 7-ArH and HC=CHCO₂), 6.54 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.08 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 3.86 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, OCH.sub. 2), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04-2.07 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.83 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, OCH₂ CH₂), 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 1.45-1.56 (m, 2H, O(CH₂)₂ CH₂ ), 1.33-1.42 (m, 2H, O(CH₂)₃ CH₂), and 0.93 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, O(CH₂)₄ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.84 (C=O), 158.09, 145.00, 139.49, 138.73, 138.61, 136.57, 136.04, 132.48, 130.36 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.46, 126.35, 125.76, 123.80, 119.92, 119.59, 118.49, 112.08, 67.52 (OCH₂), 40.59, 37.17, 36.70, 35.12, 31.09, 30.27, 29.12, 28.65, 22.43, and 14.08; IR (film) 2400-3300 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 567 (MH⁺), 549 (M--OH)⁺, 431 (M--C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₅ H₄₁ O₃ F₃ : C, 74.18; H, 7.29. Found: C, 73.99; H, 7.39.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(3,5-difluorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14s): prepared from 16s; purified by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 3% methanol/methylene chloride); scale=0.48 mmol, yield=86%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.46 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32-7.38 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.13 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.00 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H, HArCH₂), 6.67-6.78 (m, 2H, HArCH₂ and 7-ArH), 6.62 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 6.56 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.05 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.98 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.35 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04-2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.72 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.71 (C=O), 163.22 (d, J¹ _(c),f =247 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 157.23, 145.02, 139.73, 138.58, 138.34, 136.64, 136.47, 132.43, 128.49, 126.88, 125.76, 123.89, 121.08, 118.57, 112.79, 109.68 (d, J² _(c),f =25 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 102.98 (t, J² _(c),f =25 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 68.89 (CH₂ O), 40.68, 37.04, 36.77, 34.85, 31.02, and 29.02; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1630, 1600, 1325, 1245, 1165, 1120, 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 623 (MH⁺), 622 (M⁺), 621 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C10H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₇ H₃₅ O₃ F₅ : C, 71.37; H, 5.67. Found: C, 70.93; H, 5.62.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14t): prepared from 16t; purified by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 3% methanol/methylene chloride); scale=0.55 mmol, yield=73%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.46 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32-7.40 (m, 4H, 2×4-ArH and 2×HArCH₂), 7.17 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.10 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.91 (dt, J=9, 2 Hz, 2H, HArCH₂), 6.59-6.66 (m, 3H, 2×7-ArH and HC=CHCO₂), 6.06 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.93 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.07-2.08 (m, 6H, adamantyl), 1.99 (s, 3H, adamantyl), and 1.68 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.60 (C=O), 159.14, 157.80, 144.99, 139.57, 138.61, 138.56, 136.59, 136.39, 132.47, 130.57, 130.14, 129.71,129.46, 128.88, 128.48, 126.57, 125.79 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.85 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 122.29, 120.44, 118.50, 113.81, 112.75, 69.73 (OCH₂), 55.29 (OCH₃), 40.56, 37.08, 36.73, 34.91, 31.04, and 29.06; IR (KBr) 2500-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1610, 1515, 1325, 1245, 1165, 1130, 1070, 1030, and 805 cmA; MS (DCI) m/e 617 (MH⁺), 616 (M⁺), 615 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺), 121. Anal. Calcd for C₃₈ H₃₉ O₄ F₃ : C, 74.01; H, 6.37. Found: C, 73.77; H, 6.35.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-benzyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14u): prepared from 16u; purified by column chromatography (20:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with 3% methanol/methylene chloride), scale=0.47 mmol, yield=98%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.31-7.48 (m, 8 H, 5×HArCH₂ and 3×4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.12 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.60-6.67 (m, 3H, 2×7-ArH and HC=CHCO₂), 6.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.73 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 5.01 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 2.64 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.36 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.01-(m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.70 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.86 (C=O), 157.74, 145.07, 139.62, 138.61, 137.40, 136.60, 136.42, 130.37 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 132.46, 128.46, 127.65, 127.25, 126.63, 125.82, 123.83, 120.55, 118.50, 112.76, 70.00 (OCH₂), 40.58, 37.07, 36.75, 34.91, 31.05, and 29.06; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1245, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 587 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺), 91 (C₇ H₇ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₇ H₃₇ O₃ F₃ : C, 75.75; H, 6.36. Found: C, 75.58; H, 6.53.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(carboxymethoxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (14v): prepared from methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(carbo-t-butoxymethoxy)-phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16v) according to the general procedure except that the reflux time was increased to 48 h, scale=0.16 mmol, yield=90%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ10.19 (br s, 2H, CO₂ H), 7.46 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32-7.37 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.11-7.15 (m, 2H, 4-ArH and 7-ArH), 6.70 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.64 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 6.43 (s, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.58 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.37 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04-2.08 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.75 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ174.87 (C=O), 171.77 (C=O), 156.53, 145.33, 139.61, 138.51, 138.29, 136.77, 136.54, 132.47, 130.41 (d, J² c,f=32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.56, 127.04, 125.70, 123.90, 122.25, 121.53, 118.49, 112.49, 64.77 (OCH₂), 40.60, 37.01, 36.74, 34.63, 30.88, and 29.08; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1705 (C=O), 1435, 1420, 1325, 1245, 1165, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 555 (MH⁺), 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺ ). Anal. Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₃ F₃ O₅ : C, 69.30; H, 6.00. Found: C, 69.12; H, 5.98.

Example 14: Procedure for Synthesis of Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (15)

A colorless solution of 13q (2.50 g, 4.00 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was treated dropwise with a 1.1M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (3.64 mL, 4.00 mmol). After 5 rain, the yellow reaction mixture was partitioned between ether and a saturated ammonium chloride solution. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (40:1 silica gel/crude product; elution with hexane and then 2:1 methylene chloride/hexane) to give 1.99 g of a yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in pentane (150 mL) and cooled at -30° C. The precipitate which formed over the course of 18 h was collected by filtration, and dried in vacuo to give 1.57 g (77%) of 15 as a yellow solid; mp 72°-4° C.; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.52 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.38 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.24 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.08 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.62 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=12 Hz, HC=CHCO₂), 6.41 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.03 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.77 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.95 (s, 1H, OH), 3.27 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.35 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06-2.09 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.77 (s, 6H, adamantyl); .sup. 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.86 (C=O), 154.38, 142.16, 139.60, 138.63, 138.21, 136.93, 134.21, 132.52, 130.34 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.59, 126.89, 125.73 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.84 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.55, 119.38, 116.81, 51.25 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.59, 37.05, 36.37, 34.36, 30.58, and 29.01; IR (KBr) 3385 (OH), 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1315, 1230, 1155, 1125, 1075 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 509 (M--H)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₃ O₃ F₃. C₅ H₁₂ : C, 73.60; H, 7.19. Found: C, 73.62; H, 7.04.

Example 15: General Procedure for Synthesis of 16

Procedure A: A solution of phenol 15 (1 equivalent) in acetone (0.2-0.3M) was treated with the alkyl halide (1-2 equivalents), potassium iodide (0 to 0.1 equivalents), and powdered, anhydrous potassium carbonate (1 equivalent). The heterogeneous reaction mixture was stirred and heated at reflux for 24 h. The resulting slurry was cooled slightly, and then the acetone was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ether and water. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (20:1 to 40:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane).

Procedure B: A solution of the phenol 15 (1 equivalent) and the alkyl halide (1-1.5 equivalents) in dimethylformamide (ca. 0.12M) under a nitrogen atmosphere was treated wih sodium hydride (60% dispersion in oil, 0.98 equivalents). The mixture was stirred for 1-18 h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between water and 2:1 hexane/ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with water (5×), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (20:1 to 40:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 5-10% ethyl acetate/hexane).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-pentyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16r): via procedure B using pentyl iodide, scale=0.59 mmol, yield=58%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.39-7.44 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 7.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.09 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.63 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.55-6.59 (m, 7-ArH and HC=CHCO₂), 6.09 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 3.89 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, OCH₂), 3.21 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.66 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.37 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06-2.10 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.76-1.90 (m, 8 H, OCH₂ CH₂ and 6×adamantyl), 1.54 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, O(CH₂)₂ CH₂), 1.43 (quint, J=7 Hz, 2H, O(CH₂)₃ CH₂), and 0.96 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, O(CH₂)₄ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.71 (C=O), 158.13, 141.76, 139.45, 138.97, 138.72, 137.08, 136.06, 132.57, 130.34 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.55, 126.38, 125.82 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.75 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.63 (d, J¹ _(c),f =257 Hz, CF₃), 119.92, 119.31, 112.07, 67.52 (OCH₂), 51.10 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.64, 37.20, 36.73, 35.12, 31.02, 29.20, 29.16, 28.68, 22.45, and 14.10; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1730 (C=O), 1325, 1165, and 1125 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 581 (MH⁺), 549 (M--OCH₃)⁺, 445 (M--C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₆ H₄₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 74.46; H, 7.46. Found: C, 74.40; H, 7.33.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(3,5-difluorobenzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16s): via procedure B using 3,5-difluorobenzyl bromide, scale=0.65 mmol, yield=82%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.49 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.40 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.35 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.19 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.97-7.00 (m, 2H, HArCH₂), 6.75 (tt, J=9, 2 Hz, 1H, HArCH₂), 6.69 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.52-6.56 (m, 2H, 7-ArH and HC=CHCO₂), 6.05 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C= CH), 5.74 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.99 (s, 2H, OCH₂ Ar), 3.19 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.33 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.04-2.09 (m, 9 adamantyl), and 1.72 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ166.67 (C=O), 168.33 (d, J¹ _(c),f =248 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 157.23, 141.69, 141.49, 139.69, 138.64, 138.59, 137.13, 136.47, 132.50, 128.55, 126.88, 125.79 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 123.81 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 121.06, 119.42, 112.78, 109.60, 109.66 (d, J² _(c),f =25 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 102.99 (t, J² _(c),f =25 Hz, 3,5-difluorobenzyl), 68.88 (CH₂ O), 51.12 (OCH₃ ), 40.68, 37.03, 36.77, 35.01, 30.94, and 29.01; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1725 (C=O), 1600, 1325, 1165, 1120, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 637 (MH⁺), 636 (M⁺), 635 (M--H)⁺, 605 (M--OCH₃)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺). Anal. Calcd for C₃₈ H₃₇ O₃ F₅ : C, 71.69; H, 5.86. Found: C, 71.53; H, 5.82.

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16t): via procedure A using 4-methoxybenzyl chloride, scale=0.65 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.52 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.38-7.45 (m, 4H, 2×4-ArH and 2×HArCH₂), 7.21 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.11 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.93 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, HArCH₂), 6.65-6.69 (m, 2H, 2×7-ArH), 6.56 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 6.09 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.67 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 4.94 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 3.83 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 3.20 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.67 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.38 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.09 (s, 6H, adamantyl), 2.01 (s, 3H, adamantyl), and 1.60 (s, 6H, adamantyl).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-benzyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16u): via procedure A using benzyl bromide, scale=0.59 mmol, yield=92%; via procedure B, scale=0.08 mmol, yield=79%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.30-7.52 (m, 8H, 5×HArCH₂ and 3×4-ArH), 7.20 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.66-6.68 (m, 2H, 2×7-ArH), 6.55 (d, J=13 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 6.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.75 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 5.03 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 3.19 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.66 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Ar), 2.35 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.02-2.11 (m, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.71 (s, 6H, adamantyl); IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1700 (C=O), 1325, 1245, 1165, 1130, 1070, 1025, 805, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 601 (MH⁺), 600 (M.sup.), 599 (M--H)⁺, 509 (M--CH₂ Ph)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺).

For Methyl (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(carbo-t-butoxymethoxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (16v): prepared via procedure B using t-butyl bromoacetate, scale=1.30 mmol, yield=62%. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.51 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.22 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.11 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.68 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.57 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO₂), 6.41 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.77 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, HC=CHCO.sub. 2), 4.43 (s, 2H, OCH₂), 3.20 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 2.63 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.35 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.06-2.11 (m, 9H, adamantyl), 1.72-1.82 (m, 6H, adamantyl), and 1.48 (s, 9H, t-butyl).

Example 16: General Procedure for Synthesis of 17

A solution of aldehyde 9 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous toluene (0.1M) at room temperature under argon was treated sequentially with methyl diethylphosphonoacetate (1.5 equivalents) and sodium methoxide (25 wt % in methanol, 1.4 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12-16 h, and then treated with additional sodium methoxide (25 wt % in methanol, 1 equivalent). The mixture was stirred for 0.5 h and then partitioned between diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes) gave the desired product.

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (17a): scale=0.81 mmol, yield=75%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 326 nm (ε=36,800), 232 nm (ε=20,900); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.06 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.87 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.67 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.52 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.90 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.82 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.72 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.80 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.70 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.51-1.60 (m, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.17 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 0.92 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.60 (C=O), 166.71 (C=O), 149.80, 146.02, 144.79, 139.69, 137.88, 137.23, 134.05, 132.34, 131.28, 130.51, 129.48, 129.04, 128.40, 127.73, 126.63, 119.11, 52.20 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.52 (CO₂ CH₃), 34.79, 34.22, 33.92, 31.54, and 31.38; IR (film) 2955, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1615, 1590, 1435, 1310, 1280, 1265, 1205, 1190, 1170, 1120, 1095, 1080, and 980 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 433 (MH⁺), 401 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (17b): scale=1.80 mmol, yield=99%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.08 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.88 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.72 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.53 (d, J=12 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.45-7.51 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.32-7.37 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.01 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.67 (dd, J=2, 9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 5.43 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.89 (s, 2H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.72 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 1.71 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.17-1.23 (m, 15 H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.64 (C=O), 166.77 (C=O), 149.50, 145.74, 144.99, 142.30, 139.97, 138.77, 137.86, 137.49, 134.28, 133.62, 132.13, 131.35, 131.12, 130.62, 129.37, 129.19, 126.91, 125.44, 124.66, 123.01, 119.41, 52.25 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.60 (CO₂ CH₃), 34.96, 34.67, 32.44 (4×CH₃), and 29.73; IR (film) 2955, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1615, 1595, 1460, 1435, 1365, 1305, 1295, 1265, 1210, 1195, 1170, 1120, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 483 (MH⁺), 451 (MH⁺ --CH₃ OH).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (17c): scale=0.32 mmol, yield=95%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.03 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.87 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.65 (dd, J=1, 15.5 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.51 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.86 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 6.60-6.67 (m, 2H, 2×5-ArH), 6.28 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.32 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.88 (s, 3 H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.40 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂) 1.70-1.79 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.54-1.59 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.24-1.42 (m, 8H, 2×CH₂), and 0.85-0.95 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.65 (C=O), 166.57 (C=O), 148.72, 148.23, 139.38, 137.94, 136.04, 134.21, 131.31, 130.69, 129.46, 128.95, 128.05, 124.54, 118.53, 113.91, 112.59, 68.91 (ArOCH₂), 68.41 (ArOCH₂), 52.21 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.49 (CO₂ CH₃), 28.75, 28.59, 28.10, 27.95, 22.40, 22.34, and 14.00; IR (film) 2950, 2935, 2870, 1730 (C=O), 1715 (C=O), 1615, 1590, 1510, 1470, 1435, 1395, 1310, 1275, 1260, 1240, 1210, 1190, 1160, 1140, 1120, 1095, 1075, 1015, 985, and 740 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 495 (MH⁺), 463 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-carbomethoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoate (17d): scale=0.32 mmol, yield=75%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.04 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.87 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.65 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.51 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.86 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.59-6.66 (m, 2H, 2×5-ArH), 6.28 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.32 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.90 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 5-ArOCH₂), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃ ), 3.70 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 3.40 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, 5-ArOCH₂), 1.73 (quintet, 2H, 5-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.50-1.65 (m, 2H, 5-ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.18-1.43 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.67 (C=O), 166.57 (C=O), 149.74, 149.64, 148.21, 139.40, 137.94, 136.02, 134.21, 131.30, 130.69, 129.46, 128.95, 128.02, 124.49, 118.51, 113.91, 112.57, 68.91 (ArOCH₂), 68.44 (ArOCH₂), 52.22 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.50 (CO₂ CH₃), 31.92, 31.89, 29.58, 29.33, 29.06, 28.92, 25.92, 25.79, 22.68, and 14.12; IR (film) 2950, 2920, 2870, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1615, 1585, 1515, 1470, 1435, 1310, 1280, 1245, 1210, 1195, 1170, 1145, 1120, 1090, 1020, 980, and 740 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 635 (MH⁺), 603 (M⁺ --OCH₃).

For Ethyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-carboethoxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (17e): scale=0.98 mmol, yield=82%; prepared as described in the general procedure except that sodium ethoxide (21 wt % in ethanol) was used in place of sodium methoxide. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.99 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.77 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.51 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.38 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.97 (m, 2H, 7-ArH), 6.81 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.21 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.28 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 4.37 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 4.15 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 2.63 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.39 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 1.18-1.25 (m, 15H, 4×CH₃ and CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.24 (C=O), 166.34 (C=O), 148.02, 144.74, 142.59, 142.21, 139.63, 137.71, 136.77, 133.66, 130.82, 130.25, 128.65, 128.56, 126.50, 126.45, 125.70, 119.24, 61.09 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 60.27 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), 35.16, 35.10, 34.15, 33.95, 31.91, 31.87, 31.67, 14.35 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃), and 14.28 (CO₂ CH₂ CH₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 1720 (C=O), 1625, 1305, 1280, 1260, and 1175 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 489 (MH⁺), 443 (M--OCH₂ CH₃)⁺.

Example 17: General Procedure for Synthesis of 18

A mixture of ester 17 in methanol/tetrahydrofuran/2N sodium hydroxide solution (1:1:1, 0.1M) was heated at reflux for 1-4 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and 10% hydrochloric acid solution was added until the solution reached pH 1. The resulting cloudy mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 portions), and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was evaporated from pentane (3 portions) and then dried in vacuo.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (18a): scale=0.50 mmol, yield=75%; mp 279°-282° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 324 nm (ε=34,400), 232 nm (ε=19,100); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ8.08 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.84 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.71 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.41 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4 -ArH), 7.15 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 7.03 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.87 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.81 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.28 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 1.54-1.60 (m, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.18 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 0.98 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.47 (C=O), 169.37 (C=O), 151.21, 147.03, 145.66, 140.98, 139.51, 138.91, 135.24, 133.85, 133.35, 131.89, 130.78, 130.28, 129.44, 129.09, 127.68, 120.49, 35.94, 35.15, 34.87, 31.95, and 31.86; IR (film) 3400 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1685 (C=O), 1615, 1590, 1450, 1410, 1280, and 1215 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 405 (MH.sup. +), 387 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆ H₂₈ O₄.0.25 H₂ O: C, 76.34; H, 7.02. Found: C, 76.21; H, 6.85.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (18b): scale=1.60 mmol, yield=99%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 342 nm (ε=36,700), 294 nm (ε=27,500), 284 nm (ε=25,900); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ7.86 (br t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.60-7.73 (m, 7H, 6×ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 7.42-7.46 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, C=CH), 5.23 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 1.67 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.28 (br s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ167.29 (C=O), 166.91 (C=O), 148.78, 145.20, 144.56, 139.34, 137.76, 137.21, 133.88, 132.07, 131.65, 131.11, 130.91, 130.17, 129.88, 129.75, 128.95, 126.70, 125.084, 124.81, 124.52, 120.14, 34.41, 34.34, 34.22, and 32.17; IR (KBr) 2400-3400 (br, CO₂ H), 3010, 2960, 2920, 2860, 1685 (C=O), 1610, 1575, 1450, 1410, 1365, 1295, and 1215 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 455 (MH⁺) and 411 (MH⁺ --CO₂ H); Anal. Calcd for C₃₀ H₃₀ O₄.0.6H₂ O: C, 77.42; H, 6.76. Found: C, 77.37; H, 6.93.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (18c): scale=0.16 mmol, yield=95%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 346 nm (ε=28,500), 230 nm (ε=18,400); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ8.09 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.86 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.70 (d, J=15.5 Hz, CH=CHCO₂), 7.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (dr, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.99 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.73-6.80 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.30 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.26 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.92 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.37 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.68-1.77 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.50-1.56 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.27-1.46 (m, 8H, 4×CH₂), and 0.84-0.98 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.50 (C=O), 169.00 (C=O), 151.33, 151.12, 149.50, 140.68, 139.52, 137.65, 135.39, 132.01, 130.84, 130.28, 129.69, 126.35, 119.86, 115.07, 114.06, 70.02 (ArOCH₂), 69.60 (ArOCH₂), 29.99, 29.78, 29.37, 29.19, 23.48, 23.41, and 14.39; IR (film) 2000-3400 (br, CO₂ H), 1695 (C=O), 1680 (C=O), 1615, 1580, 1510, 1465, 1430, 1315, 1270, 1240, 1210, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 467 (MH⁺), 449 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₈ H₃₄ O₆ : C, 72.08; H, 7.34. Found: C, 72.84; H, 7.84.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid (18d): scale=0.21 mmol, yield=96%; mp 151°-154° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 354 nm (ε=30,700), 242 nm (ε=15,200); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ8.12 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.96 (t, J=2 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.75 (d, J=15 Hz, CH=CHCO₂), 7.55 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.92 (s, 1H, C=CH), 6.61-6.68 (m, 2H, 5-ArH), 6.30 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 5.31 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 3.42 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H, ArOCH₂), 1.74 (quintet, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.50-1.65 (m, 2H, ArOCH₂ CH₂), 1.20-1.45 (m, 28H, 14×CH₂), and 0.82-0.88 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃ ); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ172.58 (C=O), 171.44 (C=O), 149.92, 148.25, 137.91, 135.69, 135.00, 131.35, 130.60, 129.62, 127.81, 124.76, 118.00, 114.06, 112.58, 68.91 (ArOCH₂), 68.44 (ArOCH₂), 31.92, 31.89, 29.58, 29.33, 29.06, 28.92, 25.92, 25.79, 22.68, and 14.12; IR (film) 2300-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2925, 2855, 1685 (C=O), 1615, 1585, 1510, 1470, 1450, 1415, 1310, 1270, 1240, 1205, and 1140 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 607 (MH⁺), 589 (M⁺ --OCH₃). Anal. Calcd. for C₃₈ H₅₄ O₆ : C, 75.21; H, 8.97. Found: C, 75.30; H, 8.96.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (18e): scale=0.53 mmol, yield=39%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ12.63 (br s, 2H, CO₂ H), 7.90 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.57 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.44 (m, 2H, CH=CHCO₂ and 4-ArH), 7.13 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.96 (m, 2H, 7-ArH), 6.76 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.36 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.05 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.57 (m, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.15 (m, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.57 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂ ), 1.17 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.13 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d⁶) δ167.36 (C=O), 167.34 (C=O), 147.60, 143.97, 142.24, 141.82, 138.91, 137.67, 136.39, 133.32, 131.03, 129.60, 128.84, 128.42, 126.14, 125.58, 119.21, 34.65, 34.33, 33.72, 33.55, 31.64, and 31.59; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2930, 1690 (C=O), 1620, 1450, 1310, and 1290 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 432 (MH⁺), 417 (M--CH₂)⁺, 415 (M--OH)⁺, 387; Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₂ O₄.0.2 H₂ O: C, 77.12; H, 7.49. Found: C, 76.76; H, 7.43.

Example 18: General Procedure for Synthesis of 19

A solution of aldehyde 12 (1 equivalent) in anhydrous toluene (0.1M) at room temperature under argon was treated sequentially with methyl diethylphosphonoacetate (1.5 equivalents) and sodium methoxide (25 wt % in methanol, 1.4 equivalents). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12-16 h, and then treated with additional sodium methoxide (25 wt % in methanol, 1 equivalent). The mixture was stirred for 0.5 h and then partitioned between diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel (40:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes) gave the desired product.

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (19a): scale=0.49 mmol, yield=86%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.54 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.48 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.41 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.24 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.94-6.96 (m, 2H, 7-ArH), 6.78 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.21 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.23 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.68 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH.sub. 2), 2.24 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.63 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.55 (C=O), 147.98, 144.79, 142.73, 139.12, 137.49, 137.20, 132.63, 128.97, 126.56, 126.48, 125.86 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 125.67, 124.37 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 118.81, 51.54 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.10, 35.06, 34.13, 33.95, 31.87, 31.83, and 31.69; IR (film) 2960, 2926, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1625, 1435, 1325, 1310, 1295, 1270, 1170, 1130, 1110, 1070, and 705cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 471 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2E,(4Z)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (19b): scale=0.85 mmol, yield=84%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.46 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.72-7.00 (m, 6H, 4×4-ArH and 2×7-ArH), 6.15 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.27 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.68 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.74, 148.66, 144.72, 142.61, 142.29, 139.54, 137.69, 130.78 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.50, 125.78, 118.56, 115.31 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 51.47 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.11, 35.08, 35.00, 34.13, 33.94, 31.90, 31.85 and 31.66; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1625, 1510, 1460, 1435, 1305, 1270, 1225, 1190, 1170, 845, and 825 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 421 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (19c): scale=1.09 mmol, yield=81%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.45 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.21-7.28 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.92-6.99 (m, 2H, 1×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.79 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.61 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.49 (dq, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.15 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.29 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.71 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.69 (C=O), 148.09, 144.76, 142.66, 142.22, 139.35, 138.56 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 137.59, 129.90 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 126.49, 125.75, 124.86, 118.66, 116.13 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 114.33 (d,J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 51.49 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.08, 34.98, 34.13, 33.95, 31.84, and 31.68; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1625, 1610, 1580, 1435, 1305, 1265, 1190, and 1170 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 421 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoate (19d): scale=0.63 mmol, yield=91%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.48 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.23-7.32 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.96 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.84-6.88 (m, 2H, 4-ArH), 6.79 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.15 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.33 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.69 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.61 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.27 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.64 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.87 (C=O), 148.78, 144.68, 142.51, 141.87, 140.53, 137.83, 136.32, 129.11, 128.34, 127.32, 126.46, 125.74, 118.51, 51.40 (CO₂ CH₃), 35.15, 35.10, 34.13, 33.93, 31.90, 31.85, and 31.59; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (C=O), 1620, 1495, 1455, 1435, 1305, 1265, 1190, 1170, 1105, 980, 825, and 700 cmA; MS (DCI) m/e 403 (MH⁺).

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (19e): scale=0.30 mmol, yield=81%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.55 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.50 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.43 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.14 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.04 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.87 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.21 (t, J=8Hz, 1H, C=CH),5.23(d,J=16Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂),3.78(s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 3.69 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.62 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.23 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.02 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.54 (C=O), 157.24, 148.05, 142.85, 139.13, 138.32, 137.24, 132.66, 132.16, 130.91 (d, f2_(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.94, 126.89, 126.29, 125.79 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.32 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 118.76, 111.62, 55.01 (ArOCH₃),51.52 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.57, 37.09, 36.86, 34.76, 32.00, and 29.07; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1325, 1235, 1170, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 525 (MH⁺), 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅ ⁺); Anal. Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₅ O₃ F₃ : C, 73.26; H, 6.72. Found: C, 73.58; H, 6.70.

For Methyl (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoate (19f): scale=0.46 mmol, yield=66%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.55 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.49 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.24 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.95 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.59 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.50 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.21 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH),5.24 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂),3.73 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 3.69 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.26 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.53 (C=O), 158.75, 147.90, 142.48, 139.23, 137.20, 136.45, 132.72, 130.90 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 128.97, 126.42, 125.84 (d, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 124.35 (d, f3_(c),f =4 Hz, 4-ArC), 120.31, 118.93, 111.89, 54.84 (ArOCH₃), 51.54 (CO₂ CH₃), 40.63, 37.13, 36.68, 34.92, 31.58, and 29.10; IR (film) 2905, 2850, 1720 (C=O), 1325, 1310, 1170, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 525 (MH⁺), 493 (M--OCH₃)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺ ; Anal. Calcd for C₃₂ H₃₅ O₃ F₃ : C, 73.26; H, 6.72. Found: C, 73.09; H, 6.50.

Example 19: General Procedure for Synthesis of 20

A mixture of ester 19 in methanol/tetrahydrofuran/2N sodium hydroxide solution (1:1:1, 0.1M) was heated at reflux for 1-4 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and 10% hydrochloric acid solution was added until the solution reached pH 1. The resulting cloudy mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 portions), and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was evaporated from pentane (3 portions) and then dried in vacuo.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20a): scale=0.39 mmol, yield=94%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 260 nm (ε=23,200); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.61 (br d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.51 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH--CHCO₂), 7.48 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.97 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.83 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.31 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.08 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.65 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.20 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 125 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.45 (C=O), 149.55, 145.61, 144.14, 143.58, 140.63, 139.03, 138.89, 134.26, 130.40, 127.84, 127.61, 126.97 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 125.28 (q, J³ _(c),f =4 Hz, 2-ArC), 120.23, 36.30, 35.87, 35.06, 34.88, 33.17, and 32.33; IR (film) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2930, 2860, 1690 (C=O), 1620, 1460, 1415, 1365, 1325, 1310, 1275, 1205, 1165, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 457 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₈ H₃₁ O₂ F₃ : C, 73.66; H, 6.84. Found: C, 73.41; H, 6.84.

For (2E,(4Z)-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20b): scale=0.66 mmol, yield=88%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 264 nm (ε=24,300); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.47 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.18 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.96-7.08 (m, 3H, ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.62-6.69 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.22 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.13 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.63 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.21 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH.sub. 2), 1.26 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.69, 163.45 (d, J¹ _(c),f =246 Hz, 4-ArC), 150.22, 145.58, 143.59, 141.13, 139.21, 133.76, 132.19 (d, J³ _(c),f =8 Hz, 4-ArC), 127.88, 127.55, 126.85, 120.84, 116.14 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 36.32, 35.92, 35.06, 34.88, 33.19, 32.38, and 32.36; IR (film) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1690 (C=O), 1615, 1510, 1495, 1460, 1415, 1155, 985, 840, and 825 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 407 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₇ H₃₁ O₂ F.0.1 H₂ O: C, 79.41; H, 7.70. Found: C, 79.27; H, 7.67.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-(3-Fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20c): scale=0.65 mmol, yield=48%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 262 nm (ε=24,900); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.47 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.25-7.33 (m, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.97-7.04 (m, 2H, 1×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.76 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.51 (dt, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.30 (dq, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.24 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.12 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.64 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.22 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.26 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ170.53 (C=O), 148.75, 145.00, 143.58, 141.00, 140.15, 139.09 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 131.18 (d, J³ _(c),f =9 Hz, 4-ArC), 127.87, 127.52, 127.10, 126.25, 120.01, 117.05 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 115.17 (d, J² _(c),f =21 Hz, 4-ArC), 36.31, 35.88, 35.06, 34.89, 33.22, and 32.34; IR (film) 2300-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1685 (C=O), 1605, 1580, 1490, 1455, 1425, 1385, 1360, 1320, 1310, 1265, 1250, 1200, 915, 880, 825, 795, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 407 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₇ H_(31O) ₂ F: C, 79.77; H, 7.69. Found: C, 79.74; H, 7.63.

For (2E),(4Z)-4-Phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20d): scale=0.63 mmol, yield=91%; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 264 nm (ε=22,000); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ7.48 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 7.27-7.33 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.96 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.70-6.78 (m, 3H, 2×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.20 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.15 (d, J=15 Hz, 1 H, CH=CHCO₂), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.22 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.67 (br s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.25 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ150.42, 145.54, 145.46, 143.46, 143.13, 142.17, 139.26, 137.77, 130.27, 129.40, 128.41, 127.78, 127.50, 127.06, 119.93, 36.34, 36.02, 35.06, 34.87, 33.14, and 32.36; IR (KBr) 2400-3300 (br, CO₂ H), 3020, 2955, 2925, 2865, 1690 (C=O), 1615, 1600, 1495, 1460, 1440, 1415, 1385, 1360, 1310, 1300, 1285, 1275, 1250, 1235, 1200, 990, 820, and 695 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 389 (MH⁺), 371 (M⁺ --OH). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₇ H₃₂ O₂ : C, 83.46; H, 8.30. Found: C, 83.51; H, 8.58.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20e): scale=0.19 mmol, yield=87%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.57 (m, 2H, 4-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 7.44 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.15 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.87 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.27 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.23 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.79 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 2.63 (t, J=7 Hz, 2 H, ArCH₂), 2.25 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.03 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.73 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ172.20 (C=O), 157.27, 150.14, 144.20, 139.11, 138.36, 136.95, 132.63, 132.05, 130.97 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 129.02, 126.87, 126.28, 125.80, 124.42, 118.14, 111.64, 55.01 (OCH₃), 40.57, 37.10, 36.87, 34.69, 32.08, and 20.07; IR (KBr) 2400-3700 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1690, 1615, 1325, 1235, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 493 (M-OH)⁺, 465, 255, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺ ; Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.92; .H, 6.51. Found: C, 72.50; H, 6.68.

For (2Z),(4Z)-4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid (20f): scale=0.24 mmol, yield=69%; ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.55 (m, 2H, 4-ArH and CH=CHCO₂), 7.43 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.24 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.07 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 6.95 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.59 (dd, J=8, 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.50 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.26 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 5.23 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 3.73 (s, 3H, ArOCH₃), 2.64 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.28 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 2.05 (s, 9H, adamantyl), and 1.74 (s, 6H, adamantyl); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ172.34 (C=O), 158.77, 150.00, 143.82, 139.22, 139.18, 136.89, 136.51, 132.69, 130.98 (d, J² _(c),f =32 Hz, 4-ArC), 129.04, 126.45, 125.80, 124.46, 122.14, 120.29, 118.35, 111.88, 54.85 (OCH₃), 40.63, 37.13, 36.69, 34.84, 31.66, and 29.10; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br, CO₂ H), 2905, 2850, 1690 (C=O), 1615, 1325, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 511 (MH⁺), 493 (M-OH)⁺, 135 (C₁₀ H₁₅)⁺ ; Anal. Calcd for C₃₁ H₃₃ O₃ F₃ : C, 72.92; H, 6.51. Found: C, 72.79; H, 6.60.

Example 20 : Synthesis of 3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)bromobenzene 22

A stirred solution of 3-bromobenzyl alcohol (21) (10.0 g, 53.5 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.33 g, 2.7 mmol), and t-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (17.6 g, 64.2 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (240 mL) was cooled to 0° C. under argon. Triethylamine (8.1 g, 80.2 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 3.5 h. The reaction solution was washed with water, and the aqueous portion was extracted again with CH₂ Cl₂. The organic layers were combined, washed sequentially with 1N HCI solution, water, and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 25.3 g of 22 as a clear, pale yellow oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 5% to 7.5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) yielded 21.2 g (93%) of 22 as a pale yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.63-7.65 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.35-7.48 (m, 8 H, ArH), 7.18-7.28 (m, 2H, ArH), 4.72 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), and 1.05 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃).

Example 21: Synthesis of 3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)benzyl alcohol 23

Magnesium turnings (1.45 g, 59.5 mmol) were weighed into a flask which was then flame-dried under vacuum. An argon atmosphere was introduced, and anhydrous THF (30 mL) and dibromoethane (approx. 0.1 mL) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature. Approximately 25 mL of a solution of 22 (21.1 g, 49.6 mmol) in anhydrous THF (120 mL) was added via cannula. Within 10 min, the solution became dark yellow-brown. The remainder of the solution of 22 was then added via cannula, and the entire reaction solution was heated at reflux for 2 h. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature, and p-formaldehyde (2.98 g, 99.2 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 19 h and then poured into a separatory funnel containing saturated ammonium chloride solution. The aqueous mixture was extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 19.1 g of a clear, yellow liquid. Purification by column chromatography (10:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; gradient elution with 10% to 30% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 11.9 g (64%) of 23 as a pale yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.69-7.73 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.25-7.46 (m, 10 H, ArH), 4.79 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.68 (s, 2H, CH₂ OH), and 1.11 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ141.32, 140.67, 135.48, 133.35, 129.61, 128.41, 127.62, 125.46, 125.29, 124.54, 65.32 (CH₂ OSi, CH₂ OH), 26.75 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 19.22 (SiC(CH₃)₃); IR (film) 3340 (br, OH), 2940, 2860, 1475, 1430, 1150, and 1110 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 399 (M+Na)⁺.

Example 22: Synthesis of 3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethy)benzyl chloride 24

Methanesulfonyl chloride (3.96 g, 34.6 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 23 (11.8 g, 31.4 mmol), LiCl (1.33 g, 31.4 mmol), and s-collidine (4.19 g, 34.6 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (120 mL) at 0° C. under argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2 h, and was then poured into water and extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined and washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 11.8 g (95%) of 24 as a clear, dark yellow liquid. The chloride was used without purification in the next reaction. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.72-7.76 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.31-7.48 (m, 10H, ArH), 4.82 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 4.62 (s, 2H, CH₂ C₁), and 1.15 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ141.71, 137.35, 135.58, 135.51, 133.39, 129.74, 129.60, 128.64, 127.74, 127.08, 126.20, 126.06, 65.24 (CH₂ OSi), 46.34 (CH₂ C₁), 26.84 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 19.32 (SiC(CH₃)₃); MS (DCI) m/e 395 (MH⁺).

Example 23: Synthesis of [3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)phenyl]acetonitrile 25

Sodium cyanide (1.57 g, 32.0 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (0.11 g, 0.30 mmol) were added to a stirred solution of 24 (11.8 g, 29.9 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (90 mL) at room temperature under argon. The reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for 2 h. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and was poured into saturated ammonium chloride solution and extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 11.0 g of a clear, brown oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; gradient elution with 1% to 10% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 8.39 g (73%) of 25 as a pale yellow, clear oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.64-7.67 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.19-7.41 (m, 10H, ArH), 4.74 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.70 (s, 2H, CH₂ CN), and 1.08 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ142.24, 135.57, 133.31, 129.81, 129.04, 127.78, 126.41, 125.69, 125.54, 117.87 (CN), 65.13 (CH₂ OSi), 26.85 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 23.65 (CH₂ CN), and 19.31 (SiC(CH₃)₃); IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2890, 2860, 2250 (CN), 1470, 1430, 1150, 1110, and 1080 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 386 (MH⁺).

Example 24: Synthesis of (4E)-2-[3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)phenyl]-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-hexenonitrile 26

A solution of diisopropylamine (0.23 g, 2.25 mmol) in anhydrous THF (2 mL) was cooled to 0° C. under argon, and treated with n-BuLi (1.4M in hexanes, 1.46 mL, 2.05 mmol) dropwise via syringe. The solution was stirred for 30 min, and was cooled to -78° C. A solution of 25 (0.73 g, 2.05 mmol) in anhydrous THF (4 mL) was added via cannula. The resulting orange solution was stirred for 30 min, and then added via cannula to a solution of 36 (0.92 g, 2.86 mmol) in anhydrous THF (1.5 mL) cooled to -78° C. The flask was rinsed with anhydrous THF (1 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 4 h, and was poured into a separatory funnel containing saturated ammonium chloride solution and diethyl ether. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 1.55 g of a clear, yellow oil. Purification by column chromatography (30:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; gradient elution with 1% to 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 0.77 g (60%) of 26 as a clear, dark yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.66-7.69 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.07-7.44 (m, 13H, ArH), 5.71 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, CH=C), 4.77 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.86 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, CHCN), 2.71-2.86 (m, 2H, CH₂ CHCN), 1.92 (s, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.67 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), 1.27 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 109 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ143.88, 142.03, 135.44, 135.30, 133.20, 129.66, 128.80, 127.65, 126.27, 125.87, 125.60, 124.80, 123.67, 123.09, 120.74, 120.53 (CN), 65.07 (CH₂ OSi), 37.55 (CHCN), 35.03, 34.92, 34.17, 33.95, 31.75, 31.69, 27.82 (SiC(CH₃)₃), 19.20 (SiC(CH₃)₃), and 16.01; IR (film) 2960, 2930, 2860, 2240 (CN), 1460, 1430, 1110, and 1080 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 626 (MH⁺).

Example 25: Synthesis of (4E)-2-[3-(t-Butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)phenyl]-5-(5,6,7,8- tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-hexenal 27

Diisobutylaluminum hydride (1.0M in hexanes, 1.54 mL, 1.54 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 26 (0.74 g, 1.18 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (22 mL) at 0° C. under argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2.5 h. The reaction was quenched with ethyl acetate (2.5 mL) and 1N H₂ SO₄ solution (5 mL) and stirring was continued for 10 min. The mixture was poured into a separatory funnel and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted again with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed sequentially with 1N NaOH solution and saturated sodium chloride solution, and concentrated in vacuo to give 0.72 g (97%) of 27 as a dark yellow oil. ¹ H NMR showed the presence of trace impurities, but the compound decomposed on silica gel. The material was used without purification in the next reaction. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.73 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.61-7.77 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.03-7.42 (m, 13H, ArH), 5.62 (t, J=9 Hz, 1H, CH=C), 4.78 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.66 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, CHCHO), 2.92-3.01 (m, 1H, 1×CH₂ CH), 2.55-2.67 (m, 1H, 1×CH₂ CH), 1.95 (s, 3H, C=CCH₃), 1.66 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.28 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃), and 1.07 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃).

Example 26: Synthesis of Methyl (2Z),(6E)-4-[3-(t-butyldiphenylsiloxymethyl)phenyl]-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoate 28

Potassium bis(trimethylsilyl amide (0.5M in toluene, 2.28 mL, 1.14 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 18-crown-6 (1.51 g, 5.72 mmol), bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (methoxycarbonylmethyl)phosphonate (0.36 g, 1.14 mmol), and 27 (0.72 g, 1.14 mmol) in anhydrous THF (16.5 mL) at -78° C. under argon. The reaction mixture was maintained at -78° C. for 1 h, and was then allowed to warm to room temperature over 3 h. The solution was poured into a separatory funnel containing saturated ammonium chloride solution and was extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 0.85 g of a bright yellow oil. Purification by column chromatography (40:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; gradient elution from 1% to 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) yielded 0.42 g (53%) of 28 as a dark yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.67-7.72 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.18-7.42 (m, 12H, ArH), 7.06 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.33 (t, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.80 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.67 (t, J=9 Hz, 1H, CH=CCH₃), 4.90-4.98 (m, 1H, CHCH=CH), 4.78 (s, 2H, CH₂ OSi), 3.70 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.58-2.64 (m, 2H, CH₂ CH), 1.98 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.68 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.27 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃), and 1.10 (s, 9H, SiC(CH₃)₃).

Example 27: Synthesis of Methyl(2Z),(6E)-4-[3-hydroxymethyl)phenyl]- 7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoate 29

A solution of 28 (0.70 g, 1.02 mmol) in 3% concentrated HC₁ in methanol was heated slightly to dissolve the starting material and then was stirred at room temperature for 4.5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted twice with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to provide 0.73 g of a yellow liquid. Purification by column chromatography (30:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; gradient elution with 5% to 20% ethyl acetate /hexanes) yielded 0.34 g (74%) of 29 as a clear yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.20-7.34 (m, 6H, ArH), 7.04 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.38 (t, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.81 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.64 (t, J=9 Hz, 1H, CH=CCH₃), 4.90-4.99 (m, 1H, CHCH=CH), 4.68 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 3.71 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.64 (t, J=6 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CH), 1.97 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.66 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.26 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃).

Example 28: Synthesis of Methyl (2Z),(6E)-4-[3-formylphenyl]-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoate 30

MnO₂ (0.40 g, 4.6 mmol) was added to a solution of 29 (0.41 g, 0.92 mmol) in CH₂ C₁₂ (4 mL) and the slurry was stirred in a stoppered flask at room temperature. Additional portions of MnO₂ (0.40 g, 4.6 mmol each time) were added to the reaction mixture after 15 h, 17 h, 21.5 h, and 23.5 h. Additional CH₂ C₁₂ (5 mL) was added to the mixture after 15 h. After 39 h, the slurry was filtered through a 1 inch pad of Celite and the filtrate was concentrated to give 0.33 g (83%) of 30 as a clear yellow oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ9.98 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.82 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.72 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.58 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.46 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=6 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.19 (s, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.02 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.37 (t, J=10.5 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.84 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.59 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, CH=CH₃), 5.00 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, CHCH=CH), 3.69 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.65 (t, J=9 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CH), 1.94 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.64 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.23 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ192.36 (C=O), 151.29, 144.44, 134.24, 129.26, 128.42, 128.32, 126.23, 123.74, 123.47, 123.07, 119.43, 51.25 (CO₂ CH₃), 43.45, 35.15 and 35.03 (CH₂ CH₂), 34.25, 34.01, 31.81, 30.94, and 16.11; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1720 (ester C=O), 1700 (CH=O), 1455, 1435, 1215, 1195, and 1175 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 445 (MH ⁺).

Example 29: Synthesis of Methyl (2Z),(6E)-4-[3-carbomethoxyphenyl]-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-7-naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoate 31

MnO₂ (0.64 g, 7.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 30 (0.33 g, 0.74 mmol), sodium cyanide (0.20 g, 4.0 mmol), and glacial acetic acid (approx. 0.02 mL) in anhydrous methanol (12 mL) and the slurry was stirred in a stoppered flask at room temperature. Additional MnO₂ (0.64 g, 7.4 mmol) was added to the mixture after 4 h. After 20 h, the reaction mixture was filtered through a 1 inch pad of Celite and the filtrate was concentrated to give a beige solid. The solid was diluted with water and diethyl ether and poured into a separatory funnel. The layers were agitated and separated, and the aqueous portion was extracted again with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to yield 0.32 g (91%) of 31 as a yellow oil. The diester was used in the next reaction without purification. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.98 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.50 (d, J=8 Hz, 11H, 4-ArH), 7.36 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1 H, 4-ArH), 7.18 (d, J=6 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.17 (s, 1H, 7-ArH), 7.02 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.38 (t, J=11 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.82 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.60 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, CH=CCH₃), 4.96 (q, J=10.5 Hz, 1H, CHCH=CH), 3.89 (s, 3H, ArCO₂ CH₃), 3.69 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.64 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2 H, CH₂ CH), 1.95 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.64 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.24 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ167.10 (C=O), 166.46 (C=O), 151.61, 144.40, 143.55, 143.43, 140.75, 136.83, 132.70, 130.43, 128.62, 128.45, 127.86, 126.18, 123.76, 123.72, 123.08, 119.17, 52.11 (CO₂ CH₃), 51.21 (CO₂ CH₃), 43.60, 35.21 and 35.18 (CH₂ CH₂), 35.05, 34.24, 34.00, 31.80 (4×CH₃), 31.93, 29.71, 16.10, and 15.27; IR (film) 2955, 2925, 2860, 1725 (C=O), 1435, 1280, 1230, 1195, and 1175 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 475 (MH⁺).

Example 30: Synthesis of (2Z),(6E)-4-[3-Carboxyphenyl]-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoic acid 32

A solution of 31 (0.32 g, 0.67 mmol) and bis(tributyltin) oxide (1.61 g, 2.7 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (18 mL) was stirred at reflux under argon for 111 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was concentrated to remove toluene. The remaining solution was treated with 0.5N HC₁ solution (30 mL) and was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×40 mL). The organic layers were combined and extracted with 1N NaOH solution (3×65 mL). The aqueous layers were combined and acidified with 1N HCl solution to pH 3. The acidified aqueous solution was then extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (3×250 mL). The organic layers were combined and concentrated to give 0.24 g of a yellow solid. Purification by reverse-phase column chromatography on C₁₈ silica gel (100:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 10% H₂ O/methanol to 100% methanol) yielded 0.12 g (40%) of 32 as an off-white solid. mp 145°-148° C.; UV_(max) (CH₃ OH) 249 nm (ε=16,500), 237 nm (ε=22,500); ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ8.00 (s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.88 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.58 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.42 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.11-7.18 (m, 2H, 7-ArH 6.99 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.47 (t, J=11 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.86 (d, J=12 Hz, 1H, CH=CHCO₂), 5.56 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H, CH=CCH₃), 4.97 (m, 1H, CHCH=CH, obscured under CH₃ OH), 2.65 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CH), 1.94 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.66 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), and 1.23 (s, 12H, 4×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃ OD) δ169.58 (C=O), 152.51, 145.36, 145.19, 144.33, 142.38, 138.29, 133.72, 133.60, 133.50, 130.02, 129.88, 129.73, 129.00, 127.24, 127.18, 124.96, 124.84, 124.80, 124.12, 120.74, 45.08, 36.36, 36.24, 36.05, 35.31, 35.15, 34.91, 32.30, 32.21, 16.31, and 14.09; IR (KBr) 3600-2400 (br, CO₂ H), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1695 (C=O), 1640, 1455, 1420, 1280, and 1245 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 447 (MH⁺); Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₄ O₄.0.5 H₂ O: C, 76.42; H, 7.74. Found: C, 76.52; H, 7.76.

Example 31: Synthesis of Ethyl (2E)-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-butenoate 34

A solution of 2-acetyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalene (33, 4.60 g, 20.0 mmol) and methyl diethylphosphonoacetate (7.33 g, 34.9 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (80 mL) was treated dropwise via syringe with sodium methoxide (25 wt % in methanol, 5.5 mL, 24.0 mmol) at room temperature under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 14 h and then poured into a separatory funnel containing diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The layers were agitated and separated, and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 6.5 g of a pale yellow oil. Purification by column chromatography (20:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 10% ethyl acetate/hexanes) gave 4.10 g (72%) of 34 as a clear, colorless oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.30 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.25 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.15 (br s, 1H, C=CH), 3.75 (s, 3H, CO₂ CH₃), 2.58 (s, 3H, CH₃ C=C), 1.67 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.26 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.28 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

Example 32: Synthesis of (2E)-3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-butenol 35

A solution of ester 34 (4.10 g, 14.3 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (40 mL) was added via cannula over 10 min to a slurry of lithium aluminum hydride (0.33 g, 8.6 mmol) in diethyl ether (100 mL) at 0° C. under argon. After 2 h, additional lithium aluminum hydride (0.13 g, 3.4 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 5 h. The reaction was quenched by sequential addition of H₂ O (0.46 mL), 15% aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.46 mL), and H₂ O (1.38 mL). The resulting slurry was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give 3.8 g of a colorless oil. Purification by column chromatography (30:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 10% to 15% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 3.51 g (95%) of 35 as a colorless oil. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.35 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.28 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.18 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 5.95 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 435 (t, J=5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ OH), 2.10 (s, 3H, CH₃ C=C), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.30 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.28 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

Example 33: Synthesis of (2E)-3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-butenyl bromide 36

A stirred solution of phosphorous tribromide (0.31 g, 1.16 mmol) and pyridine (0.057 g, 0.72 mmol) in petroleum ether (18 mL) was cooled to -10° C. under argon. The mixture was treated with a solution of 35 (0.94 g, 3.62 mmol) in anhydrous diethyl ether (18 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2.5 h. The solution was then diluted with diethyl ether and washed twice with water. The aqueous layers were combined and back-extracted with another portion of diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 1.00 g (86%) of 36 as an off-white solid. The bromide was used without purification in the next reaction. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.33 (d, 1H, ArH), 7.28 (d, 1H, ArH), 7.18 (dd, J=12 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.05 (t, J=9 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.12 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H, CH₂ Br), 2.13 (s, 3H, CH=CCH₃), 1.68 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.26 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.24 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

Example 34: Synthesis of (Z)-2-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenyl acetate 37

A solution of (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenol 5r (0.99 g, 2.4 mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (25 mL) at room temperature under argon was treated with 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.01 g) and acetic anhydride (0.32 g, 3.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h and then partitioned between diethyl ether (100 mL) and 1N HCl solution (50 mL). The ether layer was washed further with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 1.09 g (100%) of the product as a colorless oil. The acetate was used without purification in the next reaction. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.50 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.36-7.41 (m, 2H, 2-ArH), 7.17 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 2-ArH), 7.11 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.98 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 5-ArH), 6.82 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1 Hz, 5-ArH), 5.89 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 4.73 (s, 2H, CH₂ OAc), 2.61 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.24 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.99 (s, 3H, CH₃ C=O), 1.64 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ170.66 (C=O), 144.70, 142.52, 138.81, 137.91, 134.89, 133.09, 131.95, 128.67, 126.48, 126.45, 125.73, 125.36, 125.31, 124.02, 68.68 (CH₂ OAc), 35.33, 35.14, 35.09, 34.12, 31.87, 31.81, 30.67, and 20.89; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1745 (C=O), 1325, 1225, 1165, and 1130 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 399 (M⁺ --OAc).

Example 35: Synthesis of Methyl (Z)-2-carbomethoxy-4-(3trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoate 38

Dimethyl malonate (1.44 g, 10.9 mmol) was added dropwise to a slurry of sodium hydride (80% dispersion in oil, 0.31 g, 10.5 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) at room temperature under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min and then treated with a solution of (Z)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2-pentenyl acetate (37) (1.09 g, 2.38 mmol), triphenylphosphine (0.062 g, 0.24 mmol), and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.137 g, 0.12 mmol) in THF (4 mL). The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 4 h. The yellow solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and was partitioned between diethyl ether and saturated ammonium chloride solution. The organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford 1.68 g of crude product. Purification was achieved by column chromatography (30:1 ratio of silica gel/crude product; elution with 2% to 4% ethyl acetate in hexanes, 25 mL fractions). Fractions 8-21 (Rf=0.25, 10% ethyl acetate/hexanes) were pooled and concentrated to give 0.65 g of a colorless oil. NMR showed the presence of 10% other isomers. Fractions 22-30 (R_(f) =0.25, 10% ethyl acetate/hexanes) were pooled and concentrated to provide 0.41 g of a colorless oil. NMR showed >98% of one isomer, methyl (Z)-2-carbomethoxy-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoate 38. The combined yield of the reaction was 84%. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.33-7.51 (m, 3H, 4-ArH), 7.10-7.23 (m, 2H, 1×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.95 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.79 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 5.65 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 3.64 (s, 6H, 2'CO₂ CH₃), 3.31 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, HC(CO₂ Me)₂), 2.92 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CH(CO₂ Me)2), 2.53 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.13 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.63 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.23 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.21 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ169.17 (C=O), 144.69, 142.41, 140.17, 138.07, 136.01, 132.02, 131.17, 128.76, 126.41, 126.32, 125.60, 125.25, 123.86, 52.45 (CO₂ CH₃), 50.60 (C(CO₂ Me)₂), 38.16, 35.65, 35.15, 35.09, 34.12, 33.92, 31.87, 31.80, and 30.80; IR (film) 2960, 2925, 2860, 1755 (C=O), 1740 (C=O), 1435, 1325, 1310, 1275, 1235, 1160, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (DCI) m/e 531(MH⁺), 499 (M⁺ -CH₃ O).

Example 36: Synthesis of (Z)-2-Carboxy-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoic acid 39

A solution of methyl (Z)-2-carbomethoxy-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoate (38) (0.15 g, 0.28 mmol) in 1:1:1 methanol/THF/2N sodium hydroxide solution (4.5 mL) was heated at reflux for 4 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was treated with 10% hydrochloric acid solution (10 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with diethyl ether (2×50 mL), and the organic layers were washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 0.13 g (92%) of a white foam. ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.48 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32 (br s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.09-7.20 (m, 2H, 1×4-ArH and 1×7-ArH), 6.94 (d, J= 2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.77 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 5.68 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 3.36 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H, CH(CO₂ Me)₂), 2.94 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CH(CO₂ Me)₂), 2.53 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.14 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.63 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃), and 1.20 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ173.50 (C=O), 144.72, 142.46, 139.80, 138.06, 135.35, 132.10, 131.72, 128.83, 126.37, 125.73, 125.22, 124.06, 50.14 (C(CO₂ Me)₂), 37.97, 35.49, 35.15, 35.09, 34.10, 33.92, 31.86, 31.80, and 30.86; IR (KBr) 2400-3600 (br), 1720 (C=O), 1460, 1440, 1410, 1325, 1310, 1165, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 525 (M⁺ +Na); Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₃₃ O₄ F₃.0.25H₂ O: C, 68.69; H, 6.66. Found: C, 68.73; H, 6.68.

Example 37: Synthesis of (Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoic acid 40

A solution of (Z)-2-carboxy-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoic acid 39 (0.108 g, 0.21 mmol) in anhydrous acetonitrile (2 mL) was treated with copper(I) oxide (0.003 g, 0.02 mmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 7 h, and then additional copper(I) oxide (0.003 g, 0.02 mmol) was added and heating was continued for 14 h further. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with water (5 mL) and 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (5 mL). The aqueous mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2×50 mL), and then organic layers were washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 0.10 g of crude product. Column chromatography (60:1 ratio silica gel/crude product; elution with 30% ethyl acetate/hexanes) gave 0.057 g (58%) of the product as a colorless oil. .sup. 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.47 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.37 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.32 (br s, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.16 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 4-ArH), 7.08 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.97 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H, 7-ArH), 6.80 (dd, J=2, 8 Hz, 1H, 7-Axil), 5.61 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C=CH), 2.64 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, CH₂ CO₂), 2.56 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂), 2.33 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, C=CCH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.15 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂ CH₂), 1.65 (s, 4H, CH₂ CH₂), 1.24 (s, 6H, 2'CH₃), and 1.22 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃); ¹³ C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ178.61 (C=O), 144.63, 142.39, 140.94, 138.24, 138.13, 131.86, 129.01, 128.68, 126.54, 126.40, 125.85, 125.73, 125.05, 123.63, 35.73, 35.17, 35.11, 34.12, 33.93, 33.85, 32.80, 31.88, 31.82, and 30.85; IR (film) 3600-2400 (br), 2960, 2925, 2860, 1710 (C=O), 1495, 1455, 1440, 1410, 1325, 1310, 1275, 1165, 1130, and 1070 cm⁻¹ ; MS (FAB) m/e 481 (MH⁺); Anal. Calcd for C₂₈ H₃₃ O₂ F₃.0.25 H₂ O: C, 72.62; H, 7.29. Found: C, 72.51; H, 7.16.

Reasonable variations, such as those which would occur to a skilled artisan can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of Formula I: ##STR63## wherein the bonds between C₂ and C₃ and/or between C₄ and C₅ are unsaturated;X=COOH, H, F, C₁, Br, I, COOR", CONH₂, COR"', CHO, CH₂ OH, CH₂ OR"', OH, OR"', CF₃, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, NO₂, P(O)(OH)₂, SO₂ H, or SO₃ H; R=substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, or arylalkenyl groups, with the proviso that each of these groups must have 6 or more carbons and R cannot be ##STR64## R'=H or C₁₋₆ alkyl; R"=H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C(R³)₂ OC(O)R⁴, CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ NR⁵ R⁶, CH₂ C(O)N(R⁶)₂, or other groups yielding physiologically hydrolyzable esters; R"'=C₁₋₆ alkyl; R³ =H, CH₃, C₂ H₅, CH₃ CH₂ CH₂ (with R³ 's being the same or different); R⁴ =C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, or C₁₋₇ linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy; R⁵ =R⁶, or when linked with R⁶, is a C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl or a --CH₂ CH₂ OCH₂ CH₂ -group; and R⁶ =C₁₋₃ alkyl.
 2. The compounds of claim 1 having a structure selected from the group consisting of structure types IA, IB, IC, and ID: ##STR65##
 3. The compound of claim 2 conforming to structure IA.
 4. The compound of claim 3 selected from the group consisting of:(2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z), (6E)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4,6-octatrienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(4-decyloxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3-decyloxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(2-decyloxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(2E), (6E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoxy]phenyl-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl )-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-phenyl-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-phenyl-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[2-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-pentyloxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-benzyloxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2Z), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-(carboxymethoxy)phenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; and (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid;
 5. The compound of claim 2 conforming to structure IB.
 6. The compound of claim 5 selected from the group consisting of:(2E), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bispentyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(3,4-bisdecyloxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-phenyl-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,4-heptadienoic acid; (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid; and (2E), (4Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-[4-(1-adamantyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2,4-heptadienoic acid;
 7. The compound of claim 2 conforming to structure IC.
 8. The compound of claim 7 selected from the group consisting of:(2E), (6E)-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-2,6-octadienoic acid, and (2E)-4-[3-carboxyphenyl]-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-hepta-2-enoic acid.
 9. The compound of claim 2 conforming to structure ID.
 10. (Z)-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-7-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-heptenoic acid.
 11. A potassium, sodium, triethanolamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-methylglucamine, or L-lysine monosalt of a compound of claim 1 in which R"=H.
 12. A potassium, sodium, triethanolamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-methylglucamine, or L-lysine bissalt of a compound of claim 1 in which R"=H and X=COOH.
 13. The dipotassium salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 14. The disodium salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 15. The bis(triethanolamine) salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 16. The bis-[tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 17. The bis-(N-methylglucamine) salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 18. The bis-(L-lysine) salt of (2Z), (4Z)-3-methyl-4-(3-carboxyphenyl)-5-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-anthracenyl)-2,4-pentadienoic acid.
 19. The method of making a compound of structure type IA comprising the step: ##STR66## wherein reaction takes place at about 0° C. in the presence of an organic diluent.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition containing an anti-inflammatory effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1 and a suitable amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 21. The composition of claim 20 wherein the compound of claim 1 is present in an amount of about 0.005 to about 10.0 wt %.
 22. The composition of claim 21 in a topical dosage form.
 23. The composition of claim 21 in an oral dosage form.
 24. A method of treating inflammation comprising the step of administering to a subject an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 25. A method of treating inflammation comprising the step of administering to a subject an anti-inflammatory effective amount of a compound of claim
 2. 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered via a topical formulation.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the compound is administered via an oral formulation.
 28. The method of claim 19 wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of tetrahydrofuran. 